HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/26/2021 Item 3, McKenzie
Wilbanks, Megan
From:John McKenzie <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:5/26/21 Planning Commission hearing Item #3 - Parks and Recreation ' Blueprint for
the Future'
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Dear Planning Commissioners,
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks is a non-profit group that supports the City’s efforts to establish enclosed dog parks within
the City. As none exist currently for our 13,000 dogs, the update before you has recognized this unmet need as a high
priority and unmet need. We are very grateful that this document will help improve the quality of life for our canine
companions in the coming years. We are excited to partner with the City to create enclosed dog parks within walking
distance of the larger residential populations within the City.
In reviewing the staff report, we do have the following question/comment:
1. Table 2 - Dog Park/Off leash dog area. While we agree that there are enough dogs for 6 or 7 dog parks, we have
some concern about the listings in the ‘access gap/planned amenity’ column. This should at least include Laguna Lake
Park and the Orcutt Plan park as areas for near-term dog park improvements. However, it should also be footnoted that
the currently proposed dog park at the Orcutt Plan park is inadequately sized at ¼ acre (American Kennel Club suggests 1
acre minimum). Language should be included that efforts should be made to enlarge this size during final park plan
design or find an adequate area at one of the other nearby parks (French or Islay). Laguna Lake Park dog area could also
serve many more dog owners if a portion is fenced and should be included in the 0 to 5 year development timeframe.
Furthermore, this park is probably the easiest (dogs already established and lots of underdeveloped parkland) and least
expensive option (existing safety fence could be a part of enclosed fencing and other existing dog-related
infrastructure).
We want to thank staff and the PRC for their hard work on putting together a comprehensive plan with many parts to
consider. We also were glad to see that a part of one of the City’s major goals, walkability, was taken to heart as they
conducted their gap analysis. We are ready and excited to help the City as they move forward to establish enclosed dog
parks.
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks
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