Meet Marge, a 82 year old retired nurse, mom to an energetic rescued border collie, and well loved Doggy Pied Piper of McInnis Park.  She's been coming to McInnis since 1978 where her dogs have romped while she chats up her local community.  But between mobility issues and McInnis Park's new leash rules... life isn't all sloppy kisses and tail wags for Marge:-(

For decades, the community has enjoyed the ability to walk and exercise our dogs off leash at our beloved McInnis Park. This has brought dog owners together, fostered a sense of community, and provided a valuable social outlet to people and dogs alike. McInnis Park is the only ADA-accessible place in San Rafael with adequate space and grass that has traditionally allowed dogs to be off leash. Many of our neighbors, including those who face mobility challenges and are physically unable to walk their dogs on leash, need this space to properly exercise their dogs. Dog owners have co-existed in peace with other park-using communities such as: bikers, picnickers, soccer players, and many more.

During the COVID pandemic, we were informed that "temporary" leash rules were being instituted to encourage social distancing. The previous rule was that dogs were allowed off-leash if they were under voice control. We were assured that the "temporary" leash rule would be lifted when the pandemic subsided. To our great chagrin, we have learned that park authorities have changed their position, and intend to make the leash rules permanent. Strict leash requirements at McInnis Park would end San Rafael having an ADA accessible location for dogs to play, socialize and exercise off leash. This change would most impact seniors and disabled pet owners that cannot walk their dogs on leash as well as dog owners without backyards. It would also unravel a tight knit community who have supported and looked out for each other in good times and bad. If you believe that well behaved dogs should be able to allowed off-leash and under voice control at McInnis Park, please sign this petition to voice your support!

We are NOT fundraising! Only asking for signatures. If Change.org ask for money, it will go else where.  

What to do more??? Express your concerns, love of McInnis Park, importance of the dog community in your life, and more directly to:

Damon Connolly - Board of Supervisors, San Rafael. dconnolly@marincounty.org

Nancy McKenney - President of Marin Humane. nmckenney@marinhumane.org

Max Korten - Director of Parks. mkorten@marincounty.org

Ask Max Korten to forward your concerns to Park & Open Space Commission.