by Mark Scheuer
DTNA Board member

On Dec. 13, the Duboce Park Dog Play Area proposed by the Community Task Force was unanimously approved by the Dog Advisory Committee. In January, the proposal will be heard by the Recreation and Park Commission for its review and final approval.

At the Dog Advisory Committee meeting, the approximately 50 people in attendance were given one minute each to make their comments on the plan. After listening to the public comments and concerns, the committee voted.

The dog play area will have a cable-and-bollard fencing system that is 3.5 feet high and follows the existing pedestrian path on the north side of the park, from Steiner Street to the bottom of the knoll. The Steiner Street and Duboce Avenue sides of the park will not have a fence and will remain open. A new 8-foot- wide path will be installed at the bottom of the knoll and the fence will follow the hillside contour, running from Pierce Street to the MUNI stop.

The Community Task Force also identified specific amenities and capital improvements, including new benches, additional lighting, a new water fountain, turf maintenance, and play area leveling. Because of current budget constraints, it may be a few budget cycles before physical changes to the park are actually implemented. The dog play area will automatically be reviewed one year after implementation.

Many Dog Advisory Committee members commended the Community Task Force for its work and hoped the process would be an example for other neighborhood groups. It was also acknowledged that the meeting was very orderly, and everyone remained respectful.