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Supporters of dog park hope to partner with city
January 24, 2008
IMPERIAL BEACH: A group of dog-friendly residents is asking the city to form a partnership to create at least one park in Imperial Beach where canines can run free.
At a City Council meeting last week, members of Imperial Beach Dogs at Play made an informal presentation, proposing two locations. Members asked for help in finding, building and maintaining a leash-free area.
People criticized a proposed site at Sports Park, currently a T-ball field, because it would take space away from children. No one complained about a proposed beach site, north of Carnation Avenue.
A space on Navy land adjacent to Bay View School and near an entrance to the Silver Strand Training Complex might soon be available. Navy and city officials are working on an agreement for the site, which Mayor Jim Janney noted included its own fire hydrant.
The group said it would raise money for and monitor a dog park. Currently, dogs are not allowed off-leash in the city. Owners may be cited.
For information, visit ibdogsatplay.org.
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by Nina McDonald
The group requested to be placed on the council's formal agenda for Jan. 16, but they were advised to address the council during the public comment time at the beginning. The city council cannot make a decision regarding any issue raised during public comment and may refer the matter to the city manager and staff for consideration. Maxx Stalheim, one of the group's founders, said that addressing the city council is one step toward the group's long-term goal of leash-free areas. He added that the group is not discouraged by being denied inclusion as a formal agenda item. “If we are going to designate a public property and expend public funds we would need to present this matter to the city council,” said Stalheim. Last spring, Navy personnel posted signs that warned residents away from the area just north of Carnation Avenue jetty which has been historically used as an unofficial leash-free dog beach. While the beach has always been officially off-limits to civilians, up until now, there was no consistent enforcement of the rule. Walkers, joggers and dog owners regularly used the beach for enjoyment and exercise. Dog owners especially appreciated letting their pets run free along the surf. Last spring animal control officers were ready to issue tickets to anyone trespassing onto the beach. Offenders could face fines in excess of $250. In April, a number of residents addressed the city council and expressed their misgivings with the Navy's decision. The official minutes reflect that Mayor Jim Janney responded by stating he and the city manager would look into the situation. Within a few weeks, citizens banded together to form a group with the purpose of locating, building, maintaining and monitoring recreational areas for dogs and their owners. Under the leadership of Stalheim, the group has gathered momentum and membership. The group's Web site has a questionnaire that Stalheim said has helped IBDAP gather a good amount of community input and information. As a result of that input, the group has evaluated four potential sites for off-leash areas. Two sites were considered for a potential dog beach and two sites were considered for a potential dog park. One of the beach areas considered was the south end of Seacoast Drive, which was rejected, not having enough beach space. The Navy-controlled area north of Carnation Avenue and south of the jetty was identified as the best place for a dog beach. “We also looked at the area near the bay down towards the end of 11th Avenue, near the city's maintenance yard. The city is preparing a master plan for [that area.] If it is ever redeveloped it could be a great area for a dog park,” said Stalheim. IBDAP also considered a parcel of land in the extreme southeast corner of Sports Park. However the site is presently used as a t-ball practice field. Even though the .86-acre site presents conflicts, a group of citizens viewed the site during a community workshop on Nov. 17 and affirmed the initial recommendation. “I never see anyone there. However, I have not yet talked to anyone that is involved with [Little League or anyone who is in charge of other groups] that use that park,” said Stalheim. The group recognized that establishing a public off-leash recreation area in perpetuity would require maintaining public control of the property. Stalheim added that if an area such as the t-ball practice field were ever to be approved, appropriate safety measures would need to be put into place. “It is recommended that a dog park area be fenced and that a double gate is used as an entrance. IBDAP is open to paying for any necessary fencing should that be the case. We know the city is going to say ‘we are broke' so we would help with construction and maintenance,” said Stalheim. “What we are looking for here is a public/private partnership with the city to participate in the creation and maintenance of recreational areas for dogs.” When asked how liability issues would be handled if someone was bitten by a dog on public land, Stalheim stated that his research indicated that any liability would fall on the dog owner and not the city or IBDAP. According to Stalheim, at the Nov. 21 city council meeting, Janney announced a potential site for a dog park saying the Navy had agreed to allow access to a parcel of land located at the north end of Third Street and adjacent to the Bay View Elementary School. According to Navy officials, the Navy is currently working through the necessary legal and bureaucratic paperwork in order to let the city use that land. According to Angelic Dolan, naval public affairs officer, there is no official timeline for the project to be completed at this point. “We will put out a press release on that when everything is final. There are a lot of legal and paperwork requirements that need to be done before that can be officially announced,” said Dolan. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to evaluate another site and come up with a formal recommendation,” said Stalheim. “We are also eager to be a part of any conversation with the Navy regarding access to Navy-controlled property for dogs and their guardians. However, I believe that according to former mayor Diane Rose, this has been in the works a long time and we also know that the Navy gives and the Navy taketh away. [In any case,] this needs to be a public process.” Stalheim explained that working with the Navy and the city is a long-term goal of IBDAP. It is the group's desire and purpose to form a public/private partnership and to participate in the creation and maintenance of recreational areas for dogs. With more than 1,600 registered dogs in Imperial Beach, the group states that there is an obvious need for designated off-leash areas. “We just want the opportunity to negotiate in good faith with the council and other agencies and departments,” said Stalheim. “The thing that is most important is to get the support of the community and get everyone out to the meeting. We are inviting everyone to come on the Jan. 16, but please leave your dogs at home.” The group has distilled hundreds of volunteer hours into a 15-minute presentation with testimony and a slideshow. They invite dog owners and their friends to get involved and attend the meeting on Jan. 16. To learn more about IBDAP or to fill out a survey, go to www.ibdogsatplay.org or call 988-6332. |
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November 13, 2007 Union Tribune "Dog Group to Discuss Leash Free Areas "
November 12, 2007 , Eagle and Times "Local Group Spearheads Effort For Leash-Free Dog Areas"