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additional shade structure not be added. However, to address the shade situation, staff is <br /> recommending a few more trees in the center of the park and the addition of two roundabout <br /> benches that can accommodate visitor seating. Also, the addition of trees around the <br /> perimeter of the park will add needed shade areas for visitors and dogs. <br /> 4. Add Dog Play Equipment — The architect has proposed a number of pieces of dog play <br /> equipment as shown in Attachment 1. <br /> 5. Installation of Additional Dog Waste Bag Dispensers — Staff is recommending retaining the <br /> three dog waste bag dispensers as proposed (one at the small dog park and two at the all <br /> dog park) based on general observation regarding need and so as to not overly entice <br /> vandalism or litter. (Responsible dog owners are used to carrying doggie waste bags and <br /> staff assumes that this will continue at the dog park.) Further, in the event that after opening <br /> it's determined that additional dispensers are needed, they can be added. <br /> 6. Change the designation of the area reserved for large dogs to include all dogs—This change <br /> has been made. It is however, important to note, that a significant amount of literature on <br /> municipal dog parks recommends not mixing large and small dogs and therefore, there is still <br /> some concern regarding the mixing of small dogs with larger ones in one area. <br /> 7. Remove Picnic Tables — These have been removed, except for the table in the shade <br /> structure. <br /> 8. Review the Design of the Dog Entry Gates — These have been amended to facilitate easier <br /> access. <br /> Public Comment <br /> As indicated, staff and Robert Tanaka held a neighborhood meeting on November 12 at the <br /> Pleasanton Tennis Park and Community Center with individuals who have recently expressed <br /> concern with the location of the dog park. Ten residents attended the meeting. Three residents <br /> at the meeting supported the dog park. Staff has also attached emails received recently <br /> concerning the park's location as Attachment 3. <br /> In general, those who attended the meeting who are opposed to the dog park expressed <br /> concern with the potential for noise impacting the Foothill Place neighborhood immediately west <br /> of the project location and traffic on Bemal Avenue. Emails and phone calls received, which are <br /> from the Meadowlark Drive area to the north and the West Lagoon area to the south/east, <br /> expand this concem to include a potential decrease in property values and an overall disruption <br /> to the neighborhood. <br /> While it is always difficult to fully address concerns for this type of development due to the <br /> uncertainty of use and, in this case, the actions of animals, staffs general response to the <br /> concerns are as follows: <br /> • Property Values — Staff was unable to find data supporting the loss of property values due <br /> to the proximity of a municipal dog park and in general, while loss of property value is a <br /> common concern expressed in response to a public or private development that may be <br /> Page 3 <br />