Mast Park, Santee

Mast Park is a great place for a long or short dog walk and even a little run time in the off-leash area. Located on Carlton Hills Drive, the park has a shaded cement walkway as well as an asphalt path that goes around the park. It is not as crowded as Lake Murray or Lindo Lake yet it has ample amenities for family entertainment, including a basketball court, sand volleyball court, playground, and picnic area with barbecues.

On a hot day, we take the cement path and stay under the trees. The park is a quiet place on weekdays where people come to read or walk their dogs. A few things to keep in mind if you walk at Mast Park:

Off-Leash Dog Park

• Unlike Harry Griffin Park, many people seem to think the presence of an off-leash dog area means that they can let their dogs run along the trails without a lead. If you are walking dogs, be alert for dogs on the loose and act safely. 

• The asphalt can heat up during summer, so check the temperature with your bare hand before walking your dog on this path. A dog's foot pad is not as sensitive as our bare feet, but they can be burned. If it is over 80 degrees, it might be best to walk on the pavement or grass.

• The parking lot is small so you may need to find additional parking in the neighboring strip mall or along the street. Be careful entering and exiting the narrow driveway in the parking lot.

Mast Park is conveniently adjacent to a shopping center where you can eat lunch, get coffee, cupcakes, or check out a library book. The Santee Public Library, Janet's Cafe and Deli, and Essential Grooming are also located in this shopping center.

 
And of course, just around the corner on Mission Gorge Road is the Santee shopping district, which boasts everything from Lowe's Home Improvement to the Olive Garden. If you walk on Wednesday afternoons, stop by the Certified Farmer's Market just west of Magnolia.

Santee is a booming area. Some are calling it "East County's La Jolla." The yearly street fair draws as many as 50,000 people to listen to live music, enjoy carnival rides, and indulge in the decadent offerings from the many food vendors. Time will tell if Mast Park becomes more populated or if it stays a quiet oasis.