Could Montecito get an off-leash dog park?
The Montecito Association last week unanimously voted to support the idea of an off-leash dog park, following the lead of one resident whose petition for an enclosed dog space is slowly racking up signatures.
As an unincorporated area of Santa Barbara County, Montecito is subject to county rules, which require all dogs to be on a 6-foot leash while in public spaces.
A few exceptions exist across the county — Arroyo Burro Beach, for example, or Kiwanis Meadow at Tucker’s Grove Park — but there isn’t one in Montecito.
Carolyne Ferguson wants to change that.
She walks through Manning Park with her dog, Maggie, every morning, according to her petition to turn part of Manning Park into an off-leash dog area.
“I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt every time she eagerly nudges her leash, yearning to run freely and socialize,” Ferguson wrote.
“Like many others in Montecito, I cherish the peacefulness of our parks, but I also recognize the pressing need for a dedicated space where our dogs can play off-leash without disturbing those who prefer a quieter environment.”
She said Santa Barbara County’s rules are “essential for preserving order and safety,” but they “also inadvertently stifle the natural joy and sociability of our canine companions.”
Chris Albertson is the co-chair of the Montecito Association’s Community and Government Relations Committee. Albertson said the committee met with the county’s Parks Division to chat about the feasibility of an off-leash dog park in the Montecito area.
Albertson said several possible dog park locations were discussed, including undeveloped county Flood Control District land.
“More work has to be done on what is available, what is feasible, how would it be financed,” he said.
While Manning Park isn’t suitable for a dog park, according to Santa Barbara County Parks Division Assistant Director Jeff Lindgren, other areas in Montecito could work.
In his 15 years with the Parks Division, this is the first concrete discussion about an off-leash dog park in Montecito he has seen.
“The first challenge is finding appropriate land,” he said.
Ideally, the land would be publicly owned or located where the public has easy access but also isn’t too close to residences.
Having a dog park too close to homes “can lead to some noise issues and parking issues,” Lindgren said.
An ideal dog park would also have room for small and large dog areas, as well as shade and water for both humans and the dogs, he said.
“It’s gonna be a little bit of an investigation on all of our parts to search and find a spot that is appropriate and get the community involved in building something like that so everyone can enjoy it,” he said.
