Angela Frazier and Tom Soukup, co-chairs of a newly formed task force, will be busy over the next several months gathering public input for the possible construction of a park designed specifically for dogs. The two will be encouraging not only advocates of such a facility, but opponents as well, to join the subcommittee in determining the community's interest and in addressing any concerns.

Based on the results from a citywide park survey conducted in 2002, which showed that 33.9 percent of respondents were in favor of a dog park compared to 57.6 percent who were against the idea, Frazier said she anticipates seeing a large crowd at the first public meeting scheduled sometime in early 2004.

The survey also showed that residents would use a dog park more frequently than a baseball field, volleyball court or skate park.

The task force will be presenting some ideas to the parks and recreation commission at a Dec. 1 meeting. Although investigations into the possibility of a dog park are still in the initial phase, Frazier and Soukup already have two options in mind, one of which is to establish dog-friendly hours at several parks throughout the city and the other to designate a fenced area in an existing park.

Frazier said she would prefer to have dog-friendly hours to accommodate those who are afraid of dogs and to preserve as much park space as possible.

Soukup said there are benefits to having a dog park in Saratoga, both for the dog owners and the dogs.

"Dog parks help in developing a sense of community, especially for newcomers," Soukup said. "They also allow dogs to socialize with others in a friendly environment."

However, Soukup added that his main concern would be in attracting residents from neighboring cities to the area.

There are approximately 10 parks in Santa Clara County that permit unleashed dogs on the premises, including one in Sunnyvale and a current project that will make Campbell the newest member of the seven cities that have such parks.

"Dog parks are becoming more popular with the growing population of dog owners in the county," said Zarka Popovic, Campbell's administrative analyst. "Approximately one out of three people have dogs. These dogs need a place to play."

The dog park in Campbell is scheduled to be complete sometime in 2004, pending bids to construct a fenced acre of land next to the fly-casting pond at the county-owned Los Gatos Creek. The enclosure, which will be divided into two areas—one for larger pets and the other for smaller dogs—will have shaded areas and a water source, as recommended by the Peninsula Humane Society. The park will be built by the city and maintained by the county.

"There has been overwhelming support for the dog park," Popovic said. "For the most part, the residents seem to be in favor of the idea, mainly because the park is in an industrial area and does not abut any residential properties. The only concern they have is that it will impact other wildlife, such as birds, in the park."

Saratoga resident Richard Steinberg, an owner of two dogs, said he would be thrilled to have a dog park nearby, considering the fact that he takes his dogs to a park in San Jose every weekend just so they can run around for a half-hour without any restrictions.

"I understand that some people may be afraid when they see a big dog walking around without a leash," Steinberg said. "But my dogs are completely harmless. They love people and they love to run around. They can't do this in my tiny backyard."

Beth Garner, another Saratoga resident, said she would not mind having dogs unleashed in a park, but requested that owners who do allow such acts, although against the city's municipal code, keep a close eye on their dog's behavior and clean up any droppings left behind.

"I've seen droppings in several of the parks," she said. "People just have to learn to be courteous to other park users. Nobody wants to clean up other people's mess."

According to the city's municipal code, it is considered an infraction to allow dogs to roam around public properties without a leash. Dog owners caught in the act may be subject to a $100 fine.

"A lot of people walk their dogs without putting them on leashes," Frazier said. "We might as well make it legal."