Success!

In December 2020, Rec & Park finally held a community meeting which included the community endorsed all grass park, including an off-leash dog play area; after refusing to do so for the 18 months prior.   

RecPark then sent out a survey asking respondents to rate each design and the various park amenities. They inquired about desire for an off-leash area, and for a no-dog area.

But something’s wrong: 

The RecPark survey did not ask neighbors specifically about an on-leash area option, thus handicapping Plan X (all grass; half grass on-leash; half grass off-leash) in the voting. Market research experts also contend that the survey’s language and choice sequencing, all inserted a bias which can easily skew the final results towards predetermined outcomes.

Rec & Park has chosen to present Plan W: 1/2 the park off-leash, 1/2 the park no-dogs to the Park’s Commission Plan for approval.

Details matter: 

A no-dog area bans families with dogs and elderly, disabled, and people with on-leash dogs from half of the park and forces them into an area with running dogs. It also bans people with dogs completely from the grass areas of the park for up to three months a year when the off-leash area is closed. Telling the majority of neighbors and families who have dogs that they aren’t welcome to enjoy the park for months of the year, does a disservice to Dogpatch and is inherently unfair.  

RecPark ignored input from FoEP suggesting a small, inclusive dog free area, available for those wanting to meditate, practice yoga, pray or enjoy other quiet activities. A no dog area taking up half of the park’s green space is a solution looking for a problem.  

Not wanting to be near running dogs?  Problem solved with an on-leash restriction.

Want to enjoy pristine grass?  RecPark’s own research shows the installation of waste dispensaries - found at all official DPA’s- reduce the prevalence of unattended waste.  Reality - Who’s doing paw patrol at 8PM? There’s a reason RecPark executive management was thumbs down on the idea of no dogs in half of a city park.  And why it’s not been attempted in any other city park.  

Win/Win:

We believe Rec & Park should reconsider the size and placement of the no dog area, and consider converting the no dog area to an on-leash area.