HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/4/2026 Item 4a, Johnston
Colunga-Lopez, Andrea
William Johnston <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Emerson Park Dog Park Project
Dear Advisory for San Luis Obispo City,
I am a resident within walking distance of Emerson Park who also has a dog, and who has used the field
there for exercise of my pet. I wholley welcome the changes proposed by the city for the Park, upgrading
and updating it from its current, worn down and sorry state. I especially welcome the idea of a dog park
where the field is.
I say this, knowing some local sports sometimes use the field, but I think that that space would be better
used for dog owners. At the moment, the closest dog parks are both a distance away - needing to drive
all the way to Laguna or out towards Morro Bay. Having one in the city would allow dog owners both in
the neighborhood and in the city a closer location.
That said I do have one concern - and that is the homeless situation at Emerson Park. The streets around
the park, the perimeter specifically, are used as a camp spot for homeless or people in vans/cars who
have no where else to live. I see these things each time I go over there. The homeless use the park area
a great deal for a place to rest and sleep. This has gotten worse with the opening of a food kitchen and a
food pantry accross the street at the church and near the recreation office specifically.
If we have these changes, we need to address the homeless issue for the saftey of local residents who
use the park. It is commonplace to find used needles, broken bottles, trash, people lying around, feces
and other things.
It is my hope the city can impliment changes with this in mind.
Regards,
William Johnston
Buchon Street resident of 17 years. Local resident of 30 years. Former employee SLCUSD.
1