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A Emerald Jones . 516 South Ventu Park Road - Newbury Park, CA 91320-4649 • (805) 501-2678 ejones@vcnet.com 19 August 2005 Bob Marchesano Park Superintendent Conejo Recreation & Park District 403 W. Hillcrest Drive. Thousand Oaks, California 91360 Subject: Lights at the Dog Park Dear Mr. Marchesano, I've been coming to the Conejo Creek dog park for well over two years. Adding lights for night use seems to be a very natural amenity, very efficiently extending the use during winter of the city's most popular park. An EIR and noise studies (two) have been done and passed muster. The park is NOT in a resi- dential area. Our amenities are stingy indeed when you consider that it is the most popular park in the entire Conejo Vally. These amenities include an unpaved parking lot for about 70 cars, a few trees and shade structures, and a portable toilet, i.e., Andy Gump. There are well over 700 dog parks in the U.S., many with lights a lot brighter than those proposed for our dog park. Also, most parks' lighting systems stay on until 10 p.m. — no "demand" switch in evidence. There are six dog parks in Tucson, four with lights. Several parks have many organized activities, such as regularly scheduled pet adoptions, dog washes, agility competitions, obedience classes, swimming ponds and more. I'm not suggesting we embark upon such an ambitious program, but it helps to know how other park and recreation organizations are using their resources. Here are some specific examples: University City Dog Play Area, St. Louis— has sectioned areas for active dogs and less active dogs, lighting, running water, shaded areas, and benches, all financed by private contributions. With hundreds of regulars from all around the St. Louis metro area, the park raises contributions with fun events such as the annual Puppy Pool Party dog swim. Fort Woof Dog Park, Fort Worth — has five acres of open space, water play areas, drinking fountains for people and dogs and a drainage system that keeps the grounds from becoming too wet and lights to keep the park open after dark. Millie Bush Bark, one of five dog parks in Houston — has 15 acres with separate enclosures for large dogs and small dogs, water fountains for people and dogs, overhead canopies for shade and a shower to wash off dogs before heading home. Please do your best to get our lights installed in time for this winter. Sincerely, f Emerald Jones Newbury Park