HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/14/2021 Item PC, McKenzie
Wilbanks, Megan
From:John McKenzie <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:1-14-21 Community Forum 2021
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on the City’s Financial Plan for the next couple of years. If the 2019 Major City
Goals are any indication of one or more of the new Goals that may drive the Financial Plan, I would ask the City Council
to include establishment of an enclosed dog park in at least one city park as one of the City Goal’s objectives or tasks.
Based on data collected by the American Veterinary Medical Association (2017-2018 study), the City of San Luis Obispo
is estimated to have over 13,000 dogs. No enclosed dog parks currently exist. Dog parks are included in the City’s
proposed Long Range Financial Plan, and have been given a high priority as a part of the outreach efforts preceding
preparation of the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRRMP) update (final approval expected in the middle of this
year).
Again, if any of the following 2019-21 goals are carried forward as 2021-23 goals, please consider inclusion of dog parks
as they promote or aid 4 of the 5 existing major goals, as follows:
Under Housing, the goal is to create affordable homes with the vast majority having little or no backyard for a dog.
The last few years has resulted in many approvals of this type of housing, and it is not expected to slow down in
the foreseeable future. Having a nearby enclosed dog park would allow such dog owners a place to take their dog
for exercising and socialization and would help retain a higher quality of life for those living in smaller spaces.
Under Sustainable Transportation, creating walkable communities is continuously promoted. Locating an
enclosed dog park in a city park near residential areas will encourage dog owners and their furry friends to walk to
the dog park – a win-win for the health of the human and their canine companion. The City currently has 10 public
parks that could carve out at least ½ acre and still retain most or all of their existing recreational uses.
Under Climate Action, promoting walkability versus driving helps towards carbon neutrality.
Under Downtown Vitality, having enclosed dog parks available to tourists to use during their stay will promote the
City as dog-friendly. Over 1/3 of all households have dogs, and many consider them their children and will try to
take them along on family road trips. Many hotels are now advertising themselves as ‘dog-friendly’. Having a safe
place to allow dogs to run and play will encourage this tourism segment.
Having an enclosed dog park within the City is long overdue. Having such facilities will help direct dogs away from areas
that are used for other things (e.g., school play areas, ball fields, tennis courts, etc.). As the PRRMP will likely be
approved (with a dog park likely receiving a high priority) about the time this Financial Plan will be implemented, setting
aside some dog park tasks/objectives would ensure this badly needed amenity can be located, designed and built in the
next two years. Thanks ahead for your consideration.
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO Dog Parks
www.slocitydogs.org
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