Dog Park Barking Up the Right Tree

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Lake Arrowhead Mountain News

By Doe Huff


Several mountain pet owners have been exploring the possibility of a dog park. E-mails, letters and a seven-page signed petition have been sent to San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane and Regional Parks Department Director Tom Potter. Responses to these inquiries began arriving in post office boxes last week.

“I didn't even have to ask any of my customers to sign the petition,” Patty Barry, owner of Doggie Styles said. “As soon as they heard there was an effort to get a dog park, they came in so enthusiastic about the whole idea they even brought their spouses along to sign.

“We are a very animal oriented community. I hope this will be the first step in eventually getting an animal shelter which is something we really need on the mountain.”

The petition requested a dog park be constructed near the start of the fitness trail at Lake Gregory near the south parking lot. There is a relatively flat, unused piece of land, which could accommodate areas for both large and small dogs.

The letter signed by Supervisor Biane read in part, “I have instructed County Regional Parks to explore the possibility of creating a dog park for mountain residents.

“In coming weeks, Regional Parks staff members plan to speak with residents to get ideas about how and where the park could be developed. Input from residents is vital to help the county develop a park that meets the community's needs.”

“We want the community to be involved in the planning of a dog park,” Tom Potter said. “My staff is ready to listen to all recommendations as to how and where such a park should be built. Interested residents should call (909) 387-2340 and give us their suggestions.”

Individuals calling the number will be put into a database and be invited to accompany Regional Parks staff to look at suggested locations and comment on design and requirements.

“We plan to make a presentation at the September meeting of the Municipal Advisory Council (MAC),” Potter explained. “We hope to have community input by then and a commitment from folks who want to have an active role in helping to make the park a reality. Like so many other dog parks in the county, I believe the pet owners would be self-policing and take pride in an area set aside just for their special dogs.”

“I would certainly donate money for a section of fence in honor of my dog, Cody,” Carol Sharp said. “I have lived in Crestline for 25 years and a dog park is something a lot of us have wanted for a long time.

“I also think a lot of local organizations such as the Rotary and CCDA would get involved to help out with donations such as park benches, trash cans and landscaping.,” Sharp added. “I would be happy to work on a fund-raising project.”

“My dog Sailor is ecstatic about a park of his own and is already warming up his paws,” Marlyn Dinon said. “I have no doubt that organizations such as the Lake Gregory Yacht Club would take an active part in such a project.”

Crestline visitors Lucia Rapalyea and Meg Hammond frequently bring their dogs to Lake Gregory to enjoy an afternoon walk.

“I think a dog park would be wonderful here on the mountain and Lake Gregory is a great location,” Hammond said. “I would come even more often to this beautiful area for Matea to have a place to play with other dogs.”