Dog park unleashed: San Carlos City Hall site for new doggie playland

It’s been about nine months since dogs were allowed to roam free at a city park after a pilot program ended at Burton and Highlands parks last year.

There was too much competition between dogs and their owners and residents who use the parks’ athletic fields.

Monday, Boland thanked residents on both sides of the issue for being patient as the city found the right spot for the dogs.

The sheer number of dogs at the park showed how much of a demand there is for play space, said Fates Barranti, who brought her dog Harlo to the park for some socialization.

“I think the city recognizes the need,” Barranti said.

Mayor Ron Collins said having the park at City Hall was unique to San Carlos.

“Who would have thought that after looking all over town that we finally found a park in our own front yard of City Hall,” Collins said.

City Manager Jeff Maltbie even brought his black Labrador to the grand opening.

“We are delighted to be finally offering the residents of San Carlos a place to recreate with their four-legged family members. City Hall Park receives very few daily visitors and goes mostly unused. Its lack of use and central location made it an obvious choice for the Parks and Recreation Commission who recommended to the City Council its use be converted for an off-leash dog area,” Maltbie wrote in an email. “The city will be cracking down on off-leash dog use in other parks, especially athletic fields so folks should visit City Hall Park or Heather Dog Park if they want to let their furry pals run free.”

Dogs will now have two places to roam free in the city as a former children’s playground area at Heather School on Melendy Drive allows dogs off-leash.

The area is currently underutilized for its intended purpose due to its isolated location, lack of amenities and maintenance, however, and has recently been closed in the mornings.

But early Monday evening, residents were all smiles as dozens of dogs of all breeds and sizes mingled with each other.

A few other parks were also considered for a dog park before City Hall was finally chosen.

Staff met with Responsible Dog Owners of San Carlos to map out new locations that would not conflict with organized sports groups’ locations and schedules. Four locations on city-owned land were proposed including lower Vista Park, the upper “rocks” area of Arguello Park, North Crestview Park and Chilton Park.

The dog group preferred Arguello and City Hall Park, which was not on the original list of choices.

Diane Montgomery lamented the loss of Burton and Highlands parks to dogs but was elated to see City Hall Park being utilized Monday.

Her dog Chico, however, missed the grand opening because he is recovering from surgery, Montgomery said.

City Hall Park is located at 600 Elm St.

bill@smdailyjournal.com

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