Residents urge quicker action on closed Linda dog park, propose trial sites

Several Piedmont residents used the public‑comment period to press the Park Commission for near‑term solutions after the Linda off‑leash dog park was closed. Garrett Keating asked the commission to include dog use in the forthcoming sustainability assessment and to evaluate whether the city could identify an area at Lindell Park suitable for dogs. "I would ask you to include, dog use in assessment of Lindell Park," Keating told commissioners.

Michael Henn, a long‑time resident, urged a separate hearing to consider converting a level, paved, city‑owned site across Linda Avenue into a fenced dog park, saying the location would need “minimal expense to convert it to a dog park.” Lana Tillis recommended a nearby unused landscape area with existing partial fencing be considered for trial off‑leash use and offered to help with fundraising and volunteer time. Rick Schiller, who helped create the original dog park, proposed the fenced area under the bridge next to the Oakland side as a practical near‑term solution.

Commissioners acknowledged residents’ concerns and confirmed the sustainability study will inform next steps but indicated the commission cannot act tonight because the item is not on the agenda. Staff and commissioners discussed evaluating candidate sites and noted that a citywide feasibility review is underway.