Hello!
Wow, the weather recently has been quite the talk of the town, hasn’t it? I hope you and your furry friends are finding creative ways to stay active indoors. My dog, for instance, has taken a liking to playing handball off the back of our couch – it’s quite the sight!
A Little Incident and a Big Reminder
I want to bring to your attention something concerning that occurred last week. Our diligent cleaning team discovered significant damage to one of the gates leading to the small dog area. We’re temporarily securing it with zip ties, but a proper repair by the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be necessary. This incident brings us to an important reminder: please ensure the park is locked upon entering and exiting. Neglecting this not only compromises our safety but also leads to unexpected costs, such as replacing locks and now, gate repairs.
Financial Update: A Community Effort
As you may know, Rincon Hill Dog Park operates solely on the generosity of our community, unlike other parks in San Francisco. Currently, our account balance stands at $8,000 – a sum that, frankly, won’t sustain us through the year. Last year, we were fortunate to receive a significant amount from the Mayor’s Addback fund, intended for park enhancements. However, unforeseen DPW maintenance fees (gate repairs, etc.) have rapidly depleted these funds.
Moreover, the recent heavy rains have taken a toll on our park’s surface. The Decomposed Granite (DG) has not held up well, leading to severe erosion. A consultation with a landscape architect revealed the stark reality: our park lacks proper drainage, exacerbating the problem. Addressing this will require substantial community funding, as the initial plan alone costs $7,500, putting a big dent in our remaining Addback funds.
A Call to Action
This is where we need your help more than ever. If you haven’t already, please consider setting up a monthly donation. Every bit helps us maintain and improve the park, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable space for our beloved pets. The challenges are significant, but I believe our community’s spirit can overcome them. Let’s come together and support our furry friends’ haven – after all, it’s their joy and safety that bring us together.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our park. Let’s make it a place we’re all proud to call our own.
Woofs ‘n wags,
The Volunteer Team
