Notes on Sausalito and Novato Dog Parks by Marilyn Tims

Sausalito Remington Park – 100 Ebtide at Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA., sausalitodogpark.org, 415.846.8323

It just so happened that one of the board members was at the park cutting the grass so I was able to get a lot of information. The board member is:

E. Michael Stevens
415.332.4486
mstevens4@aol.com
• The park is about 1.9 acres.
• The land was donated by a local school.
• The city of Sausalito has agreed to furnish the water and trash pick up for free
• They are set up as a non-profit which was time consuming and requires a lot of documentation for taxes every year.
• The park is about 10 years old
• The park is wide open with no separation of large and small dogs
• There are two separate areas with gates to enter the park.
• There is a water area which is raised on gravel - hose and several water bowls
• Part of the park is grass/weeds, part bark chips and the rest dirt & gravel (DG)
• The bark chips are free from a local landscaper. It apparently costs the landscaper $20 a load to dump the chips at the dump. He can dump his load for free at the dog park. Only problem is that they also try to dump larger branches, etc. So, a board member has to be at the park at time of delivery.
• In talking with Michael, he indicated that the Dirt & Gravel (DG) holds up best and requires the least maintenance.
• The chips have to be replaced periodically
• The grass has to be mowed which requires up-keep of a mower and someone to do the mowing.
• Their annual cost of operation for the park is about $ 4,500. (remember their water and trash pick up is being donated by the city)
• The board members do most of the work because volunteers are not reliable.
• You have to have someone that manages the volunteers and their schedule
• There is a parking area adjoining the park
• Lots of trees, benches and picnic table

NOVATO DOG PARK – O’Hair Park – also known as Dog Bone Meadow
On Novato Blvd just north of San Marin, for info call the city of Novato at 415.899.8200 or look at their website - cityofnovato.org

The park is run by the City of Novato and volunteers known as Dog Owners Group Bettering our Novato Environment - DOGBONE
• It is a good size park - between 2 and 2.5 acres
• It is rectangle in shape
• There is no division for large and small dogs
• It is set up like a high school running track
• There is a running track around the length and width of the park. The surface is small dirt & gravel
• In the center of the track area it is grass
• On the outside of the track is an agility course for the dogs
• There are two gated entrances
• One water area with hose and several large water bowls
• A couple of benches and chairs around the perimeter of the park
• One of the benches has an overhang that would be good cover in rain or on very sunny hot days.

Notes from Marilyn's conversation w/ Attorney Terry Anderlini

NOTES From conversation with Attorney Terry Anderlini - 650.400.1996– 7.02.10

Before we do anything go to other parks and take pictures, draw diagrams, take notes about fencing, water, trash, rules, ground cover. The one in Sausalito is probably the best in our area according to Anderlini.

Figure out what we need
• Measure out space
• Measure out amount of fencing needed
• Measure out amount of ground cover needed
• Are we going to grate property before laying ground cover
• Is there water already on site (piping)
• If no water then what do we want to do if anything about water

Next – start checking around to see how much it would cost for each of the above items and what it would cost to install. We need equipment to deliver fencing, ground cover, etc. Once delivered we need equipment to install. What about labor cost to install.

Then start checking to see if anyone is willing to donate time, equipment to install, and other items.

Involve people in building park. They will then have a vested interest.

The park in Redwood Shores is a city park and it cost about $15,000 to build.

We would need to raise at least $5,000 to start

Ours will be a private park – and will bring in money. Why would people donate equipment, fencing, etc.? They will not be able to take a tax deduction.


1. Lease arrangement with owner of property – pay him something even if it is a dollar a year
2. Insurance Policy
a. Owner should be an additional named insured on the policy
3. Incorporate – LLC
4. Should we set up a non-profit?
5. Set of Board of Directors
a. Each board member should carry an umbrella policy on their homeowners/renters
6. Park will require a lot of policing
7. Safety issues
a. Dog Bites between dogs
b. Dogs running will hit a person and knock them down breaking legs, etc
7. Volunteers are very active in the beginning but then they will eventually slack off and will not keep appointed work
Schedule
8. Hire students and pay them $10 an hr.
• Pick up poop and clean park every day

9. Notify the Chamber of Commerce about what we are trying to accomplish. They might be able to suggest donors.
10. Ground Cover
a. Synthetic turf – doesn’t work – it will start to smell
b. Bark chips – will need to be replaced on a regular basis
c. Dirt and Gravel (DG) works well

ONCE OPERATING

• Limit number of dogs each person can bring in to 3. Do this because dog walkers will bring in a lot of dogs.
• Do not allow dogs to be on leash in park. Can cause aggression with other dogs.
• Limit total number of dogs in park at one time

Hold fund raisers:
• Set goal for amount needed
• Theme parties
• Xmas – have Santa come – take photos
• Easter – Rabbit – photos
• Raffles
• After park operating people will see things that need to be changed or added. Then hold fund raiser


Have Bulletin Board – very important. Can have information about upcoming events. A vet can post info. Someone can post a BD party for their dog.