Dog owner groups establish a collective "scoop the poop" ethic both in and outside the park.  Other municipalities which have fenced in, exercise play spaces have reported a significant increase in responsible poop-scooping in surrounding neighborhoods.  Our off leash areas will also be educational centers where dog training classes/workshops, pet fairs, spay/neuter and licensing drives could be held.

Parks should offer a broad spectrum of recreational choices, including dog-based exercise and recreation. Inexpensive dog play areas can be achieved by turning portions of parks and under utilized city properties into dog exercise areas simply by enclosing them with fencing and providing signage.  In parks where dedicated exercise space is not practical dogs should be allowed on leash as they are in San Francisco, New York and other urban areas.

It's important to educate dog owners about sensitive habitat areas in public parks. Special educational signage could teach both dog owners and the general public about the delicate, ecological nature of areas adjacent to off leash runs, such as urban creek habitats, the Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge and the estuary channel connecting the lake to the bay waters.

For example, in the Lake Merritt area, Pooches for Parks will be joining with the Lake Bloomers to create a butterfly garden surrounding the proposed enclosed dog exercise area. What better way to protect nature and encourage multi-use of the park?