Concerned early walkers at the Lafayette Reservoir made their voices heard after seeing signs indicating that the reservoir would be pushing back the daily opening of the park from 6:30 to 7 a.m.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District had hoped to open later in an effort to concentrate staff at the reservoir during the busier parts of the day, increasing their availability to manage visitor needs.
EBMUD spokesperson Jenesse Miller said that because those early-morning walkers who would be impacted had contacted them, they have put any plans for a delayed opening schedule on hold for now. "We are re-evaluating the situation because of public outcry." She said that in recent years the park has opened year-round at 6:30 a.m. but that there are not that many visitors before 7 a.m.
Miller says the utility company is responsive to the community and will be looking in more detail at early morning usage during the months of October through December, evaluating impact to customers and safety before deciding whether to bring in the later opening currently planned for Jan. 1 through March 31.
Residents may also have noticed signage threatening a total ban on dogs in the area if dog owners don't pick up after their dogs. These signs, now removed, were not official, Miller said.
Miller commented that, while picking up dog poop is far from the park rangers' favorite job up at the Lafayette Reservoir, there are no plans to ban dogs from the area. She said they plan to use improved signage to get the message across.
If residents want to weigh in on the subject of opening hours, they should call (510) 986-7807 or email Lafayette.reservoir@ebmud.com.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District had hoped to open later in an effort to concentrate staff at the reservoir during the busier parts of the day, increasing their availability to manage visitor needs.
EBMUD spokesperson Jenesse Miller said that because those early-morning walkers who would be impacted had contacted them, they have put any plans for a delayed opening schedule on hold for now. "We are re-evaluating the situation because of public outcry." She said that in recent years the park has opened year-round at 6:30 a.m. but that there are not that many visitors before 7 a.m.
Miller says the utility company is responsive to the community and will be looking in more detail at early morning usage during the months of October through December, evaluating impact to customers and safety before deciding whether to bring in the later opening currently planned for Jan. 1 through March 31.
Residents may also have noticed signage threatening a total ban on dogs in the area if dog owners don't pick up after their dogs. These signs, now removed, were not official, Miller said.
Miller commented that, while picking up dog poop is far from the park rangers' favorite job up at the Lafayette Reservoir, there are no plans to ban dogs from the area. She said they plan to use improved signage to get the message across.
If residents want to weigh in on the subject of opening hours, they should call (510) 986-7807 or email Lafayette.reservoir@ebmud.com.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA