Mosswood Dog Park - NEW!!! Reviews

PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION-Minutes from 5/9/07

"Request approval of proposed dog park facilities at Mosswood Park:
Kathy Kleinbaum of the City’s CEDA Redevelopment Division gave a report. The proposal for a dog run at Mosswood was developed by dog-owning residents who live near the park. The Redevelopment Agency has funds for a dog park at Mosswood. The area under consideration is currently under utilized and is adjacent to the tennis courts. Commissioners suggested using plants or plastic netting for screening between the tennis court and the dog park. Trash pick up would be done by Public Works Agency (PWA) staff. Ms. Kleinbaum advised that the current plan does not include water, but staff is looking into it as a future improvement. No additional parking will be provided. However, it is anticipated that most of the dog park users will walk to the park. The dog park would be a one-year pilot project. A draft MOU between the City and the dog owners’ group has been prepared.Speakers in favor of the Mosswood Dog Park:• Emily Rosenberg• Keith McAllister• Mary McAllister• Marilyn Chin• Gail Senoglu• Margaret Pinter• Cathy Cade• Larry Prill• Stella Tatola

Commissioner Ricards expressed concern about the current drug use in the area, and the transitioning to the new dog park, considering the danger of park users finding used needles, and the responsibility of picking up the needles not being passed on to the dog owners. He recommended a 30 day transition period with signage so that the drug users will leave the park before the dog park users arrive. Ms. Kleinbaum advised that there have been several clean ups of the area and that bringing programs and people to the area will help to reduce the level of elicit activities. It was suggested that security cameras be installed at the site; however the budget would not allow cameras at a cost of $8,000 -10,000 each. Commissioner Montauk suggested that instead of a transition period we should have people begin using the site as soon as possible. Commissioner Ricards emphasized his concern about the public being at risk. Director Jones-Taylor advised that the public will not be picking up needles and that she does not foresee the needles being a problem. However, if a needle is found, they are to call PWA for disposal.

MOTION: Commissioner Taylor moved to approve the one year pilot dog park project, and that this item come back to PRAC after one year for review. Commissioner Hammock seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

MOTION: Commissioner Ricards amended the motion to include a 30 day transition period and to include PWA maintenance. The motion died due to a lack of a second."