In the last episode of the trials and tribulations of Rancho Laguna Park, the Moraga Town Council decided to put to the voters the fate of off-leash dogs. But that plot twist didn't work for the Council, which decided on June 9th that the ballot idea was not a good one after all. Here's a sneak peek at the next page: At its June 23rd meeting the Council is expected to again discuss the idea of a spatial separation between dogs and other users. It is also anticipated that the Council will approve the construction of four new bocce ball courts at the park, and discuss how to pay for the proposed changes.
Moraga Parks and Recreation Director Jay Ingram described his new plan for spatial separation: "The proposal is to build a three-foot high, 165-foot long ranch-style fence on the north side of the park, and 235 feet of the same type fence on the south side up to the East Bay Municipal Utility District trail." The fence would be planted with bushes and create a partial separation of the picnic, playground, and bocce ball areas from the lawn where the dogs play.
We may be nearing the end of the story. Indications are that none of the park's user groups are opposed to the new plan, which will bring more recreational opportunities to the park while discouraging frolicking dogs from romping where they are not welcome.
Moraga resident Dom Sidari has worked for many months with Town staff to get more bocce ball courts built in town."It would have been very costly to add two new courts to the two existing courts at the Commons," said Ingram. "At Rancho Laguna there is space where the seldom-used volleyball court is located; the park has ample parking, bathrooms, and it will give the players more of a 'league' feeling, rather than being in the middle of the action at the Commons," he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the Moraga Dog Owners Group, Bill Carman said, "If the use of some limited physical separation (such as a fence) is needed to maintain separation of the children's play areas in the park and the proposed bocce ball courts as well as the picnic area that may be leased from the town to other users, then the Moraga Dog Owners Group will support that. Our support assumes the off leash hours and their place in the park will not be significantly altered."
On June 23rd the Town Council will discuss the plan, and particularly the payment of some $7,000 in fees for the construction of the bocce ball courts. In his staff report, Town Manager Mike Segrest recommended waiving half of those fees. The discussion may also include the financing of the proposed fence.
Moraga Parks and Recreation Director Jay Ingram described his new plan for spatial separation: "The proposal is to build a three-foot high, 165-foot long ranch-style fence on the north side of the park, and 235 feet of the same type fence on the south side up to the East Bay Municipal Utility District trail." The fence would be planted with bushes and create a partial separation of the picnic, playground, and bocce ball areas from the lawn where the dogs play.
We may be nearing the end of the story. Indications are that none of the park's user groups are opposed to the new plan, which will bring more recreational opportunities to the park while discouraging frolicking dogs from romping where they are not welcome.
Moraga resident Dom Sidari has worked for many months with Town staff to get more bocce ball courts built in town."It would have been very costly to add two new courts to the two existing courts at the Commons," said Ingram. "At Rancho Laguna there is space where the seldom-used volleyball court is located; the park has ample parking, bathrooms, and it will give the players more of a 'league' feeling, rather than being in the middle of the action at the Commons," he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the Moraga Dog Owners Group, Bill Carman said, "If the use of some limited physical separation (such as a fence) is needed to maintain separation of the children's play areas in the park and the proposed bocce ball courts as well as the picnic area that may be leased from the town to other users, then the Moraga Dog Owners Group will support that. Our support assumes the off leash hours and their place in the park will not be significantly altered."
On June 23rd the Town Council will discuss the plan, and particularly the payment of some $7,000 in fees for the construction of the bocce ball courts. In his staff report, Town Manager Mike Segrest recommended waiving half of those fees. The discussion may also include the financing of the proposed fence.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA