Submitted by Jennie Portelli
In February the Council will hear an item requested by neighborhood dog owners that would allow dogs to be leash free in several parks in Coronado on a trial basis.
I live near Vetter Park and many of us would love to see our pups leash free for an hour or so in the early morning and then again the the late afternoon so they can play, run and have fun in our neighborhood park! These designated times would also discourage nonresident dog owners coming from out of town due to the difficulty of commuter traffic.
Our dogs have been coming to Vetter Park for quite a while, and we are all responsible dog owners who not only pick up after our dogs but also other dogs.
I would like to comment on several misconceptions that we have heard and read:
- We do not want to fence in the park nor do we want a dog business using Vetter Park.
- Vetter Park will not turn to dirt….the Cays Dog Park is beautiful and green with dogs off leash.
- I also spoke with the Police and was told that it has been over 20 years since there was a serious dog bite at Vetter Park.
- None of us approve of aggressive dogs in the park….on or off leash, and we would be the first to complain!
Vetter Park should not be the Lone Ranger park for off leash dogs, but one of several community parks that could be, at times, like a Norman Rockwell painting of neighbors, kids and dogs using the parks together.
 Jennie Portelli
