I've just returned from the new Simi Dog Park and am mortified at the complete lack of thought put into it's construction and use.

My first concern was the lack of a sidewalk leading from around the parking lot up to the park, forcing numerous owners to walk their dogs among people driving and looking for parking.

My second concern was that all dogs, large and small, get funneled up a 50-foot-long by 6-foot-wide walkway, which forces excited arriving dogs to meet eye to eye with dogs leaving the park, which instigates dog fights.

My concern turned to huge disappointment at the top of the ramp, where the entrances to the large dog area and small dog area meet in an open-ended 10-foot-by-10-foot area. The open-ended design means that as people open either gate, dogs already inside and off leash can exit. There is no double gate to prevent a dog from escaping and potentially running off or being hit by a car.

Once inside, I saw underage puppies—which pose potential health risks to other dogs—and small children obviously under 6, which are at risk due to their size. One man was even there with his toddler. A park representative at the gate for opening weekend would have been prudent.

I am very grateful that we finally have a dog park, but it seems like it was designed by someone who has never so much as visited another dog park. Pet health risks, serious injury or death are only a matter of time at the Simi Dog Park, and I will not expose my dog unnecessarily. Until there are changes made that will allow for my dog to have a safe visit, I will continue to frequent the Thousand Oaks and Winnetka dog parks and avoid Simi's dog park at all costs. Fabio Bandini Simi Valley