Parks and Recreation Commission reconsiders dog rules at Lodi Lake
Erosion, cleanliness prompt new look at park’s canine policy
After reports of problems with man’s best friends at Lodi Lake, the Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission is reconsidering the park’s rules on canine companions.
During Tuesday’s monthly meeting the commission presented to the public a proposed solution to certain issues caused by dogs without leashes at the lake.
According to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood, the department has received complaints of dogs running from the lake onto the nearby path, where they present a risk of potential collisions with cyclists, runners, joggers and walkers.
Additionally, Hood said, dogs have contributed to erosion on the west side of the lake, along the trail. Dogs repeatedly climbing up the bank have caused so much erosion that now only three feet of dirt remain between that portion of the lake and the trail.
According to Hood, sandbar willows have been planted along that portion of the river bank in order to prevent further erosion.
Hood also reported that the department has received complaints about dog owners failing to clean up after their dogs in the Rotary are of the park, which contains picnic tables that the city rents out for use by the public. Due to the complaints, as well as more erosion caused by dogs, the animals are no longer allowed in that section of the park, although Lodi still has nine acres of canine-friendly park space, according to Hood.
The proposed solution, according to Hood, is to designate a specific off-leash area for dogs to enter the water. The proposed canine entrance point is located near a line of dawn redwood trees, away from the main path. Hood said that the city intends this to be the only place for dogs to enter the lake for the duration of the summer swimming season, although they are discussing the possibility of having a “Dog Day” at the beach toward the end of summer.