SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - No one can argue that the Land Park neighborhood is filled with canine aficionados. Yet many are contemplating whether a dog park is a priority and where it would go. 

For those who don’t live nearby, it might seem William Land Park has plenty of space for a dog park. Yet anyone who’s been to one of Sacramento City’s most visited regional parks can tell you that visitors can take up every inch on a regular weekend. 

The city’s Youth Parks & Community Engagement (YPCE) hosted an Open House on Oct. 23 at Belle Cooledge Library. Results from a recent survey (1,660 responses) revealed two final options for a dog park in William Land Park: 12th Avenue and East Park Road, also known as the “Panhandle,” and at Freeport Boulevard and 14th Avenue. The public was invited to review the plans, provide feedback and choose between the two locations.

Renderings of a possible dog park were on display, with all the amenities a passionate pooch owner could ask for such as canine water fountains, teeter-totters, step platforms and hoop jumps, fencing, benches and lovely green turf to run on. Who wouldn’t love that? 

Glenn Wedell lives near the Land Park Panhandle and liked the idea.

“It’s much closer to my house,” he said. “We normally go to the park several times a week. It would be nice to let my dog off the leash.”  Wendell’s comments align with the results, noting 3 out of 4 surveyed own a dog and that they want their dogs to make furry friends.

Longtime Land Park resident Luree Stetson commented, “I am concerned about maintenance. The city doesn’t have enough staff or money to maintain other dog parks. My question for the city is, do you have a sustainable plan for another dog park?” Stetson also reflected survey participants where 40% worry about dirty, muddy parks and leftover dog poop.

For decades, Rich Hanna has organized annual charity races in the park, including Urban Cow. He said, “The proposed Freeport spot is where we put our tents and equipment. Plus, it’s across from the Sacramento City College where parking is used for our runs. I’m concerned this dog park would impact race/walk events.”

Zack Wandell accompanied Hanna and shared similar thoughts. Wandell manages the Donut Dash and Scoop Scoot runs. He says, “Location is the point. The combined charities using that (Freeport and 14th) space raise over $5 million annually. Plus, we pay thousands for permits and fees. That’s revenue positive for Sacramento City. If the dog park smells and we need to clean up around it before holding an event, then we can go somewhere else. Any time there’s change, we must look at other options.”

He continued, “Land Park has survived 140 years without a dog park. What’s the rush to do this now? It makes more sense to me to put a dog park in high-density areas where people don’t have yards.”

Other questions centered around enforcement of leash laws and managing dog behavior. These concerns reflect 33% of those surveyed who worry about aggressive dog behavior. Currently, only seven park rangers are on duty to patrol over 140 of Sacramento’s parks. No one should expect regular park enforcement around dog issues. 

Guests were encouraged to leave written comments and share photos of their dogs on a board called “Sactown’s Best in Bark.” Some people were excited about a dog park, while others gave it a hard ‘no.’ A few wrote the Panhandle location would displace families and large groups. Notes also suggested a dog park in Curtis Park’s new Petrovich Basin or Plaza Cervantes Park. 

What it comes down to is the city’s “bottom line.” Budgets are tight. This year Youth Parks & Community Engagement advocated to minimize budget cuts, and they may have to do it again in 2025. Plus, core park amenities are struggling too. This includes bathroom upgrades, grounds care, sports area upgrades, tools, public safety and proper staffing.

YPCE staff and District 7 City Councilman Rick Jennings, along with his chief of staff, Dennis Rogers, were at the event to listen and answer questions. They explained this is a process and nothing will happen soon. Part of the process has been completed. There’s been a survey, the community provided feedback and plans have been submitted. 

Guests put paw stickers on the two choices to choose a final winner. The results are still under review as of the writing of this article. It will be announced later.

Now, the topic is added to a list of priorities for over 240 Sacramento parks. Final decisions will happen when funding is available. Until then, Land Park dog owners will continue to run their dogs on leashes and go about their day while Sacramento City faces “ruff” financial choices.