(Nov. 23, 2009) -- When a Scherer Park dog zone ("Uptown Dog Park") was agendized for action as "New Business" at the Nov. 17 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, no mention was made of the fact that this was already a "done deal," although Commissioner Harry Saltzgaver did refer to a flyer and indicated his displeasure that this hadn’t been discussed previously. However, he then voted for the "Recommendation to approve proposed improvements to Scherer Park through the creation of the Scherer Park Dog Park, and, as proposed, meet [a] recreational need in the city, through an appropriately designed site." Two of the commissioners abstained, but the motion passed with four members voting "yes."
Parks & Rec. Director Phil Hester stated that several other councilmembers have asked for dog parks in their districts.
I would hope that staff would follow the suggestion of Mary Parcell of El Dorado Audubon, to do a biological assessment of the areas first.
In parks like Scherer, where there are mature trees and bushes, this creates habitat for many birds. Ground feeding birds such as White-crowned Sparrows, Black Phoebes and Bluebirds are unable to feed with dogs in the area from 5 a.m. until dusk. Supposedly no trees were cut down, but constant presence of dogs and people under them will discourage most birds from nesting in them.
Also, in the winter, there the small lake is filled with many migrating ducks and geese. These birds do not spend all their time in the water, but graze and rest on the grass. Now the birds, children and non-dog owners have lost over 17,000 feet of open space for the exclusive use of canines.
Also, the public living near dog park areas need to be notified of this possible noisy addition to their neighborhoods.
And I question whether this the best use of the limited park funds. There are many reasons why something like dog parks need public vetting before they are created, not the least of which is staff ignored the need for approval by the Commission before, not after the fact.
Done Deal For Doggies, Bad Deal For Birds...And People Who Care About How Their City Is Run
