HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/20/2021 Item 10, McKenzie
Wilbanks, Megan
From:John McKenzie <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Avakian, Greg
Subject:4-20-21 City Council Meeting - Item 10 - Financial Plan
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Dear City Council Members,
Representing a marginalized group of about 13,000 inhabitants of the City, I would ask that the Council consider adding
direction in the Financial Plan to improve the quality of life for many of our canine companions within the City Limits.
Based on the 2019 U.S. Census the City has 47,459 people. If dogs were added to this number, they would make up over
1/5 of the population.
Our residents currently have no enclosed place within the City to let their dogs off leash. Providing safe and secure places
for our dogs to be off leash will promote most of the City’s latest major goals as discussed below. The draft Parks and
Recreation Blueprint for the Future 2021-2041 (to be approved by Council in the next few months) recognizes the need for
enclosed dog parks and is making it a high priority to establish one (and possibly more). New residential units being
approved (especially affordable units) either have no yards or are very small. Given the amount of joy dogs bring to their
owners, yard size will not be a big deterrent for the 1/3 of all households that will have dogs. 11 of our City parks are large
enough to establish a ½-acre dog park (or larger) and still retain their existing recreational uses. Given that dog owners
have no place to take their furry friends, the owners ‘make do’ and let them run loose at the nearest grassy area within
walking distance, despite the risk of a $600 ticket and the dismay of others that use these areas for other activities.
Adding language supporting the construction of an enclosed dog park within the next two years is consistent with the
following major City goals:
Under Economic Recovery, Resiliency and Fiscal Sustainability and its reference to supporting local business and
downtown vitality – many tourists and visitors are including their dogs as a part of their travel plans; more and
more hotels are recognizing this phenomenon and are advertising they are ‘pet friendly’. By providing safe and
secure enclosed dog parks within the City, it would be encouraging and promoting this type of traveler.
Under Housing, a component to this 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 exercise and socialization, and would help retain a higher quality of life for
those living in smaller spaces.
Under Climate Action, Open Space and Sustainable Transportation - creating dog parks near residential areas
will encourage a more walkable neighborhood forever. This will discourage dog owners from getting into their cars
to drive many miles out of town to find a safe and secure dog park and would thereby reduce carbon emissions.
Having an enclosed dog park within the City is long overdue. People of all ages own dogs and people of all ages would
use dog parks. Having such facilities will also help direct dogs away from areas that are used for other activities (e.g.,
school play areas, ball fields, tennis courts, etc.). If within an existing park, the basic costs of a dog park can be minimal
(perimeter fence, water supply, waste disposal, all-weather surface), especially when compared to most other recreational
improvements. We ask that you include in your action on the Financial Plan that monies and resources be set aside for
staff to determine which existing park be considered for the first enclosed dog park and to then work with outside entities
(e.g., grants, non-profits) to help secure supplemental funding and assistance to help offset City costs. Thanks ahead for
your consideration.
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John McKenzie
Friends of SLO Dog Parks
slocitydogs.org
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