HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/27/2020 McKenzie - Dog Parks in SLO
Wilbanks, Megan
From:John McKenzie <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:PRC Communication - who let the dogs out?
Dear Commissioners,
I hope you are all staying healthy during these unsettling times. For those of us sheltering at home (like
me), I have certainly noticed a huge increase of pedestrian traffic in my neighborhood, including some of
those 13,000 dogs we have within our city limits. As I pass by a couple of public parks during my daily
walk, I’m seeing lots of people playing with their dogs off leash, who are also socializing with other dogs.
While I know they are risking a $500 ticket each time they do this, it is showing me the unmet need for
several enclosed dog areas throughout the City. I hope you have seen this as well or that you take this
unique opportunity to visit a nearby park or two during the shutdown to see we have lots of younger
dogs needing to run around and socialize. As things normalize and the draft P&R Element is released, I
hope you agree on this unmet need, and through your efforts with this document it will show support
from the City to move forward with finding those dog park locations and then funding them. As future
recreational funding may be limited, don’t forget that these are very cheap when compared to almost
any other type of recreational facility. Thanks for your continuing consideration and Happy National Dog
Day (May 6)! I would also like to give a great big shout out for all of the Parks and Rec personnel taking
care of our public parks – they are doing a great job!
John McKenzie
Friends of SLO City Dog Parks
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