Menlo Park: Council holds off on Menlo dog parks Menlo Park: Council holds off on Menlo dog parks (January 12, 2005)

It may not be foot-dragging, but it certainly could signify a delay in tail-wagging.

No matter what you call it, the Menlo Park City Council's vote on January 4 means more time will pass before new off-leash areas for dogs could open at Nealon and Willow Oaks parks.

Concerned that residents near Willow Oaks in her Willows neighborhood might not have gotten ample warning about a legally sanctioned off-leash area, Councilwoman Kelly Fergusson proposed holding off for 30 days on fencing a 20,000-square-foot grassy area there.

In the interim, signs will be placed in the park alerting residents of the planned off-leash area, and the area will be marked in some way to show its size and location. Residents will be encouraged to contact City Hall with comments.

Ms. Fergusson's council colleagues agreed to her proposal, and the council also agreed to postpone allowing off-leash hours at Nealon. The off-leash issue is tentatively set to return to the council on February 8.

Resident Kelly Martin, whose bedroom windows overlook Willow Oaks, said dog owners already let their canines run free there illegally. She said she favors the plan because it involves new fencing and could improve safety for children.

Under the plan, the ball field at Nealon, which is already fenced, would be used for a dog park. Creating off-leash areas at both parks is expected to cost about $45,000.

The plan was created after several public meetings and the deliberations of a committee of residents, who analyzed all the city's parks. To view the plan, go to www.menlopark.org, click on "City Council," and go to the January 4 agenda.

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