HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/23/2022 Item PC, McKenzie
Delgado, Adriana
John McKenzie <johnnimac@earthlink.net>
Sent:Monday, June 20,
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:6/23 Special City Council Meeting
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Dear Council Members,
As this special meeting is intended to discuss ways to promote business in the City of San Luis Obispo, our group, Friends
of SLO City Dog Parks, would like to raise some awareness about tourists and their pets. Based on a nationwide survey
(American Veterinary Medical Association, 2017-18), over 1/3 of households have dogs. Based on other surveys of dog
owners, 50% to 75% will take their dog with them when they go on vacation. Putting these two facts together indicates
that at least 1/6 of the tourists that visit the City will have their furry friend as a traveling companion.
These tourists are looking for safe and legal places to take their dogs to exercise and socialize (in addition to finding dog-
friendly accommodations) . The City currently offers one legal dog area in the City (Laguna Lake Park) and it is not
enclosed. For many tourists, having an unenclosed place to go is unacceptable. As long as this situation exists, there is a
higher likelihood they will choose a City to stay where enclosed dog parks exist.
On a positive note, last year the City Council approved Park’s and Recreation’s ‘Blueprint for the Future’ with a directive
to staff that an enclosed dog park should be given a ‘quick build’ high priority. Furthermore, some funding has been
assigned towards installing a perimeter fence but has stalled due to a lack of staffing to oversee this effort. City Staff
would like this dog park to eventually become a signature dog park with many amenities beyond a fence to attract all
types and sizes of dogs and their owners (but could take many years depending on future funding). Once this signature
park is achieved, travelling dog owners will make the easy decision to book more stays in SLO knowing such a wonderful
dog park exists in the City.
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As you discuss ways to promote business, please keep in mind the aspect of at least 1/6 of the tourists will have their
dogs with them. The more dog-friendly your decisions are, the more likely you will capture a larger percentage of this
population to stay in our wonderful city.
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks
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