Marin County – Field of Dogs, a 2/3-acre dog park located across the street from the Marin Civic Center, is slated for removal to make way for a new county public service building.

According to several members of the Field of Dogs governing board, Marin County officials have not proposed any real alternatives to the current park.

In November, Lazar and other members of the Field of Dogs board attended a meeting positioned as “Community Input on Potential Public Safety Building” and “alternative site development options.” According to Board President Howard Lazar in a letter on the Field of Dogs web site, the plans proposed by the county appeared to presume development of the new facility would take place on the site of the dog park (and adjacent Petanque courts and parking lot) and that only a few minutes for public comment were allotted at the end of the meeting.

The Field of Dogs representatives are concerned that no viable alternatives are being sought. In addition, they share the concerns of residents from the adjacent properties who do not want a large structure to undermine the character of their neighborhood (and potentially reduce the value of their homes).

Both the Field of Dogs and the Petanque Court are maintained by their members. The Petanque Court has been in its spot for more than 30 years, and Petanque players and supporters planted now-mature sycamore trees there 30 years ago.

Field of Dogs provides fenced off-leash play space for dogs, with parking, benches, tables, poop bags and scoopers, handicap access, trees, water, drinking fountain, trash cans and shelter. It is completely run and supported by its dedicated volunteers.

The best action, according to Field of Dogs, is to contact your Marin County Supervisor and rally others to do the same. For more information visit the Field of Dogs web site at www.fieldofdogs.org