The use of Lighthouse Field and Its Beach for off-leash dog exercise and recreation has been a Santa Cruz tradition for many years. A caring community has developed that cherishes this beautiful place and the freedom to enjoy it with canine companions. During the process for the Lighthouse Field General Plan update, a small but vociferous group has advanced arguments for why these community members should be driven out of the Field and Beach. Here is an outline of the issues:

• Sharing the Space: There is a huge unmet demand for off-leash space. A large percentage of households have dogs. Off-leash exercise is essential to canine physical health and also to maintain and enhance each animal’s good behavior. For many people, the time spent outdoors with a canine companion represents their most important recreational need. Off-leash exercise is compatible with other simultaneous multiple uses. Hours and space should be expanded — only 2% of public open space in Santa Cruz is available for this use.
• Environmental Concerns: Dogs have minimal impact on environmental quality in this undeveloped urban open space, especially in comparison with other impacts. Off-leash exercise is totally compatible with the preservation of the Field and Beach. A few sensitive areas will have further protection under the updated General Plan, and the community supports these added protections.
• Safety and Fear: The record shows that off-leash recreation at Lighthouse Field and Its Beach has been exceptionally safe. By promoting a process called "socialization", it actually reduces aggressiveness in dogs. Serious dog incidents rarely occur in parks — they usually occur in homes or near homes as a result of guarding or other factors not present in the park setting. In addition, this community activity enhances park safety in other ways.
• Compliance Issues: Considering the heavy use, compliance has been good and the community has been pro-active to make it better. Confusing hours are a problem, particularly for out-of-town visitors. There are other very serious issues in the park which are worthy of enforcement attention — alcohol, drugs, camping, litter, assaults, threats and so on. Dog issues are best addressed by engaging community resources to communicate and exert peer pressure.
• Community: A vibrant community has arisen around the Field and Beach. The community has actively engaged in stewardship of the park. This community wants to work cooperatively with the City to enhance the park for all users. This community should be embraced, not rejected.

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