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Residents urge Mill Valley commission to revisit fenced small-dog area at Bayfront Park
Summary
Multiple residents asked the Parks & Recreation Commission to create a fenced small-dog run at Bayfront Dog Park, citing safety concerns for small breeds and pointing to comparable parks in neighboring towns. Commissioners said the matter is not on tonight’s agenda but staff will review new input.
Dozens of residents told the Mill Valley Parks & Recreation Commission that Bayfront Dog Park needs a fenced area for small dogs to reduce injuries and enable families to use the park safely.
"A small dog dog park is not a nice to have. It's actually an essential step to prevent injuries, and to protect Mill Valley's small dogs," Beck Heinrich said during Public Open Time, urging the commission to reconsider a proposal the city declined earlier.
Several other speakers echoed Heinrich’s point, arguing that the current five-acre Bayfront space—larger than dog parks in nearby towns—lacks basic separation to allow small dogs to play without risk. Jessie Scott, Lisa Dechenero, Don Pillsbury, Judy Durstee and Anne Rose Boas each described personal experiences or safety concerns and asked staff to reopen the discussion.
Commission members acknowledged the public interest but said the item was not on the evening’s agenda. Chair explained that state law prevents the commission from acting on items not posted on the agenda unless an immediate need arose, and staff said they will consider the new comments and follow up.
The commission asked staff to gather additional outreach and suggested possible next steps, including whether to agendize the issue for a future meeting and to coordinate with neighbors and user groups. No formal action was taken tonight.
