Some Covenant members are questioning the feasibility and desirability of putting a dog park at the Osuna Ranch. However, community feedback has been overwhelmingly in favor of a dog park — and it’s no surprise. Dog parks confer physical and social benefits to dogs and their owners.
On any given day, the Village Green in town looks like a “de facto” dog park, with owners and dogs illegally off-leash socializing together. A community dog park will satisfy the physical and social needs of dogs and their owners while maintaining separation and safety for non-dog owners.
Superior Suitability
There is literature on the design and management of dog parks to maximize positive outcomes while minimizing negative ones. Best practices include:
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Clear boundaries for different users and uses
- Proper fencing and double-gated entrances
- Garbage cans and dog waste bags
- Proper signage
- Toilet facilities
- Sufficient grass of suitable grass varieties
- Well-communicated requirements with a penalty policy including blacklisting of repeat offenders
The Osuna Ranch is extremely well suited to a dog park. It is within walking distance of downtown, which makes it a superior location as opposed to other Association properties, such as the Arroyo that is far from town. Osuna is already superbly maintained by the RSF staff as well: Fences and equipment are routinely inspected and maintained; The grass is regularly mowed and irrigated; And the landscaping is carefully selected and well-tended.
Ample Space
Osuna’s acreage and open space make it all the more suitable. Parking is ample and bathroom facilities are present. There is sufficient room to keep small and large dogs in distinct areas, while providing shady seating for dog owners. There is plenty of latitude at Osuna Ranch to maintain geographic separation from the historic Adobe Community Park and the equestrian facilities located there.
Implementing safety and security measures at Osuna should not be an issue either. Access to the Osuna Ranch Dog Park can easily be restricted to Covenant residents by instituting a registration procedure requiring proof of residency and dog health records, and a key-card entry system.
RSF Can Do
Finally, studies have shown that a successful dog park requires public engagement and education, as well as elements of self-policing and self-enforcement that include escalating consequences for offenders. Surely Rancho Santa Fe is a community with the financial and intellectual wherewithal to handle this situation, as it does all others.
I am confident the Association can build and maintain a successful dog park at Osuna Ranch, and the community will benefit substantially from it.
Anthony Alario, DVM, is a Covenant member, chair of the Osuna Ranch Committee, and member of the Trails Committee.