HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2026 Item 4a, Newel
Charles Newel <
To:Advisory Bodies
Cc:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting for Feb. 4, 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to share a small amount of background information that may be helpful as
you prepare for the February 4review of the Emerson Park project. In listening to recent
Commission discussion, it appeared that some of this context may not yet be before
you.
First, City materials dated January 9, 2021, prepared internally at the outset of the Prop
68 process, already include a dog park as part of the Emerson Park project. This internal
diagram predates any neighborhood outreach. A more detailed schematic reflecting that
same configuration was submitted to the State a little over a month later, as part of the
grant application. I have attached the January 9 diagram for reference, as it helps clarify
the timeline.
Second, City Risk Management has confirmed that no risk or liability analysis was
conducted for the proposed configuration, which would place a fenced off-leash dog area
immediately adjacent to the park’s only open playfield used by children for informal play
and youth sports. National park and recreation guidance cautions against this type of
siting, particularly in small neighborhood parks with limited space.
By contrast, the City’s recent development of the Laguna Lake Park dog park reflects
careful siting and separation consistent with those safety standards. I understand that
this Commission played a significant role in shaping that project, which is why this
comparison may be relevant as you evaluate the Emerson Park proposal.
These points may be useful to the Commission’s consideration of both process and
public safety as it reviews whether the current Emerson Park design should proceed as
configured.
Thank you for your time and for your service to the community.
Sincerely,
Charley Newel
Emerson Park Neighborhood Resident
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