Newport Coast park put a on leash

June Casagrande

NEWPORT COAST -- Dogs and their owners accustomed to running free in

the park at San Joaquin Hills Road near Newport Ridge Drive woke up to an

unpleasant surprise at the beginning of the year when they learned their

unofficial dog park was officially off limits to dogs.

Neighbors received notice earlier this month that the open space

across from the under-construction shopping center was no longer open to

dogs on or off leashes. And anyone who missed the notice no doubt still

got the message upon arriving at the park where dispensers of dog-waste

bags had been covered with signs saying dogs were no longer welcome.

“I’m new to the area and the dog park has been the way I’ve gotten to

know my neighbors so far,� said Mike Forman, who along with his German

shepherd, Cyrus, has been a regular at the park. “It’s important to us.�

Last week, Forman and about seven other residents attended a meeting

with Merit Property Management, which provides services and collects

association dues from some developments there. The company, which owns

the park, sent out the notices telling residents that it would no longer

allow dogs there on or off leashes.

At the meeting, residents learned that the reasons include the fact

that children who play soccer there could be in danger from the dogs and

that legal liabilities are also a concern. A representative of Merit

could not be reached for comment.

“We’re seeking some kind of relief from a total banning of pets,� said

resident Dave Hubert, a regular at the park.

Residents who met with company representatives said they were

encouraged by the meeting. They said they plan to work with the property

company to find solutions, perhaps setting aside certain areas of the

park or certain times to allow dogs. Fencing in an area is also a

possibility.

“I understand the concern of the parents of the small children that

make use of the soccer fields and things,� Forman said. “We just want to

be sure there’s equal representation. At least we gained some

recognition.�

* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 [email protected] .