Duboce Park dog play area discussed

In March, Supervisor Bevan Dufty and DTNA co-sponsored a community task force to bring community representatives to the table to discuss the proposed dog play area in Duboce Park.

On Oct. 17, Dufty led a two-hour community meeting at which the task force's recommendations for a multiple-use plan for the park were presented. The meeting was attended by 75 neighbors and park users who were able to ask questions about the proposal and provide comments.

Various city agencies were on hand to answer questions including: Amanda Kahn, task force facilitator from Dufty's office; Dennis Kern, new director of operations for Rec & Parks; Regina Dick-Endrizzi from Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi's office; Jimmer Cassiol from Mayor Gavin Newsom's office; Linda Yeung from the Controllers Office; Kat Brown,.deputy director of Animal Care & Control; Amber Evans, RPD liaison to the Dog Advisory Committee; and Lt. Gary Jiminez, SFPD, Park Station.

Kahn presented a summary of the task force proposal, which included a visual rendering of the bollard-and- cable barrier system and an overview of the park. It showed the designated areas for the dog play/multiple use area, an area where dogs on leashes would be allowed, a people-only area, and a new pathway.

The task force proposal also included additional benches, additional park lighting and a new water fountain for dogs. The total cost is about $72,000, and Dufty said he would take responsibility for getting the necessary funds.

Several people wanted to accept the plan as presented, while others were opposed to dividing the park with a new pathway and fence. Several people wanted the hill included in the dog play area, while others want the hill as an area for park users and dogs on leashes. A number of people favored leaving the park as it is.

Dufty held the community meeting to hear input, not to take a vote. At the end of the meeting, Dufty said he would send a letter with his recommendation in about three weeks. The Dog Advisory Committee is tentatively scheduled to review the dog play area at its Nov. 15 meeting.

Dufty would like to hear from people who could not attend the meeting but want to be heard. You can e-mail his office at Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org, call 554-6968, or fax 554-6909. We also recommend you send a copy to Amanda Kahn at Amanda.Kahn@sfgov.org.

A more detailed report about the community meeting is available at www.dubocepark.com and is posted on the Duboce Park bulletin board.