MCDOG News
Fences have gone up around the new off leash area, completed by a crew from Parlin Forks Conservation Camp. There are two separate fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for any dogs. Members of Mendocino Coast Dogs Owners Group (MCDOG) were on the grounds to give input on how the enclosure was built and said they were delighted with the fast and thorough work.
The new dog park is on the grounds of the C.V. Starr Community Center, located on the site of the former Green Memorial Field, at the intersection of Maple and Lincoln Streets in Fort Bragg.
Comment from Johanna Jensen of MCDOG: "While it's true we agreed to reduce the size of the dog park, or if necessary move somewhere else altogether, it is NOT true we're moving when the Aquatic Center is complete, which is what's currently being reported.
"Rather, we agreed that when the second phase of construction is complete - the addition of the Gymnasium - we'd see if the entire space currently used by the dog park was still necessary for additional parking. While there was no firm time frame commitment, estimates were that it would be years, maybe 5 or 10, before it became an issue.
"The confusion is, the dog park is on the grounds of the CV Starr Community Center, a complex which includes the Harry Spath Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center will be open soon - current time estimates are as early as August of 2008, and we have no plans to move is 8 months.
"Thanks for helping us get the word out that the dog park plans to be around for years!"
There was a story (02/28/2008) in the Ft. Bragg Advocate, by Connie Korbel, about the animal shelter. Worth reading: "Fort Bragg animal shelter constrained by 'can't do' government", two part article. In the library (or search the newspaper archives online - but they charge a fee to read older articles.)
MCDOG (Mendocino Coast Dog Owners Group) has sucessfully worked for the Noyo Beach Off-Leash Dog Area and now the fenced dog park on the grounds of Fort Bragg's future Aquatic Center. Having a place to run on the beach is a great asset and attraction for area dog-people. To contribute or ask questions, email glb AT mcn DOT org.