In our previous articles we looked at the stumbling blocks challenging the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) members in their pursuit of a place to put a dog zone – competing resources, lack of criteria, and the perceived need for perfection. Based on the best information, it looks like a full sized dog park might best go in a “Central Recreation” area and a good attainable short term goal would be to create a dog zone or two in an existing park(s). Here’s a brief summary of the top 3 sites being studied by the PRC members, along with the 2 sites I personally like. I’ve listed them by size.
BORREGO
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Borrego Park is an 11 acre park adjacent to the Foothill Library. It has its own parking lot and overflow parking can expand into the library area or the street. A dog zone could be created along the western section of the park, incorporating grassy areas not otherwise used, that are hundreds of feet from any existing homes. This is sufficient area for both a small and a large dog section, and the current area has plenty of shade trees and even benches for people to sit. All this one needs is 1400 feet of wrought iron, a double entry gate, and a water station. IMHO this one is ready to go. The only downside is that it is in the Foothill area and therefore not centrally located. OTOH the City has approved more than 4,000 new homes in this area, so that will change the center of the population and make Borrego a little more central.
PITTSFORD
Find out what's happening in Lake Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Pittsford is a 10 acre site located in the middle of the city, convenient to major arteries. There is no formal parking lot, but there is ample parking on the street which abuts the park. The park is so large that there is sufficient space to put a dog zone which would be far enough away from the surrounding homes that noise would not be a problem. In fact, one side of the Park abuts a school, where there is enough noise already to drown out any barking from the dogs.
REGENCY
Regency Park is a 5 acre park at the corner of Regency Lane and Osterman Rd. A dog zone could be created along the Eastern section of the park, incorporating grassy areas not otherwise used, and this would be far from any homes. There is sufficient area for both a small and a large dog section, and parking along the street.
VINTAGE
Vintage is a 4.8 acre site located at the southern end of Normandale. It has various levels and backs up to a large open area that borders on Mission Viejo. There isn’t any formal parking lot, and there isn’t that much street parking either. But it could support a small dog zone.
DARRIN
Darrin is a 3.1 acre site located at the Eastern end of Cherry Avenue, past Trabuco, making it reasonably well located. It has a large parking area and a small section is far enough away from homes not to present any noise problems. There are several places where dog zones could be placed. The park is often used as an off-leash area right now.
_____
To go along with these descriptions I’ve included some pictures of the various parks. To get a full description of each park, go to the City’s Parks website. Click here
Next time we’ll apply the criterion to the parks and come up with the prime candidates
