Park district needs funding to light the dog park

While it certainly is not as intense as the war or the economy, there is an issue in Simi Valley that individuals can make a small difference in their life with a simple phone call.

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has promised a new off-leash dog park this year, and I applaud them for making it a top priority as has been reported.

However, it has come to my attention that the plans at this point do not include lighting for this $500,000 facility, and no further discussion is planned unless there is sufficient public input.

Now is the time for those with and without dogs to make a call to 584-4400, write a letter to the Acorn, attend board meetings (you only need to stay briefly at the beginning to add your two cents), e-mail (www.rsrpd.org) and urge others to do the same.

If you believe dogs should not be heard or seen, this park benefits you when owners take their pooch to this specialty park rather than the local neighborhood park or, even worse, past your yard.

As an owner of man's best friend you know the exercise and socializing by Fido at an offleash park is a great experience for both of you.

The sad thing is, without lights at the park and you getting home after 5 p.m., there'll be many a day that you'll get no benefit from this wonderful addition to our community because the gate will be locked at dusk.

Of course, you could leave Fido on a leash and walk a few feet to watch a ballgame at the new (and well-lit) 4-plex.

Richard Falconer

Simi Valley