SACRAMENTO, California — William Land Park in Sacramento will host a $200,000 pilot dog park program after a unanimous City Council vote, bringing a definitive end to the fenced off-leash dog park at the Sierra 2 Green.
Mayor Darrell Steinberg said though they voted for a pilot dog park in William Land Park between 19th Street and Freeport Boulevard, the possibility of one in Curtis Park remains open.
But District 7 City Councilmember Rick Jennings, who represents the Curtis Park neighborhood, said the Sierra 2 Green park is off the table.
"It is very clear to me that this neighborhood park is not the place for a dog park. It was clear in 2001 when the dog training facility was first put up in front of us that it was not a dog park," he said.
David Gonsalves ,of Curtis Park, said his children developed a fear of dogs because of off-leash dogs at the Sierra 2 Green knocking them over.
He told city councilmembers Tuesday a dog park would be better situated at William Land Park so families visiting the Sierra 2 Green park don't have to worry about dogs lunging at his children.
"I support the appropriation of $200,000 to explore the option of a dog park in Land Park," he said. "Recently my youngest, a 12-year-old, and I were playing basketball at Sierra 2 basketball courts. Our ball went over the fence into the dog park. My child was too afraid to get her basketball."
Child safety has been a key issue raised by neighbors opposing a permanent dog park at the Sierra 2 Green, with many public speakers claiming to have children chased and hurt by off-leash dogs at the park.
Supporter of a permanent dog park in the Sierra 2 Green Patricia Davey told city officials they should shelve the current proposal in favor of more public outreach, despite a recent community-wide survey and town hall leading up to the proposal.
Long-time Curtis Park resident Melissa McKenzie said the dog park issue tore her neighborhood apart and created animosity within the community.
"While I would love to see the clock turn back to a pre-COVID time when the Sierra Green was not overrun by dogs, many of whom were from different neighborhoods, I don't believe that is a realistic option," she said.
