Menlo Park Community Services

After a couple of seasons playing softball in Menlo Park, I wrote asking them to reconsider using the fields as a dog park. Almost a year later, the field continues to double as a dog park.

__________
July 24, 2007

City of Menlo Park Community Services
501 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025


Dear Menlo Park Community Services,

Over the past two years I have really enjoyed playing softball in the Menlo Park league. It is well run, well officiated, and really a highlight of my week. Thank you for the opportunity to play.

Over the past two years I have been increasingly disappointed with the conditions of the fields at Nealon Park. I understand that a couple of years ago considerable resources were spent to repair and renovate the field. However, since then the fields have degraded significantly. I do believe that this rapid degradation is a result of dog owners using these fields as dog parks. The dog urine has destroyed the grass and created large divets and holds. In addition, some dog owners do not clean up after their dogs.

I love dogs – simple as that. I know that they need to run around. However, Menlo Park is full of wide open spaces and grassy areas that are appropriate for dogs to play in. Additionally, there is a beautiful grassy area right next to the Nealon Park softball field. There needs to be a distinction between a playing field and a dog park. Somehow, dog owners have convinced the town that they are entitled to use the softball field as a dog park. This has destroyed the field and resulted in Menlo Park having to do another necessary – but undeserved – repair to the field.

I have spoken with several members of my team and the other teams about this issue. I hope that you will consider our request to make the Nealon field a softball field – and not to double as a dog park. Additionally, let’s find a way to create a special place in Menlo Park for dog and their owners.

Please let me know if I should direct this letter to other appropriate individuals or organizations.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this note.



Brian & Jocelyn Mason