Dear Menlo Park City Council,
I am very concerned about the off-leash practices at Willow Oaks park. I go to Willow Oaks every Monday to Friday to drop my child off at school. I usually arrive with my daughter between 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM. We also play after school around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. See attached picture of sign about not having dogs off leash. My daughter has been knocked over by one of these off-leash dogs, and bruised, and the owners displayed little concern when the dog knocked over my daughter a few weeks ago. I have tried to ask them to put their dogs on the leash but unfortunately it has been met with resistance, I have called the police non-emergency number a number of times but the problem is that it takes a few hours for someone to come out and by that time the offenders are gone.
My concern is that the dog owners are not following the posted sign, using the fenced in dog park instead using a public space and do not have concern for the children that attend either of schools in close proximity. I am hoping that we all can work together to find a solution that meets everyone needs and protect the children who attend school near this park. I have tried to work with the dog owners and the school but it seems that a third party needs to get involved.
Can you also let me know when the next public meeting is I would like to bring this up during public comments? Thank you.
Look Forward to your response,
Jessica Huckabay
510-209-1594
jessica@sensenet.nu
Certified letter also sent - 10/13/21
Attached photo of dog leash law and leash rules for Willow Oaks Park
Article about child being bit by dog:
https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/ccso-child-in-stable-condition-after-dog-bite-investigations-open-into-attack/article_127d1800-260d-11ec-853e-3b10089c1bf6.html
