On May 15th, it will have been a month since our group of 13 met with three City of Irvine employees at Oak Creek Community Park. Despite my request to volunteer as an advisor to the Community Services department in an email to the City Council, the only response was a phone call from Corey Lakin (Deputy Director, Community Services), who attempted to dissuade me from pursuing this role. He offered to work with interested parties on dog park issues and suggested using the Access Irvine app or referring to the city website for information.  This same offer he also made at the meeting on April 17th, nearly a month ago and waited until I wrote the City Council.  Obviously, I can't put much faith in that offer, unless I want to regularly write the City Council.

Additionally, the city's website offers conflicting information, stating that Irvine Central Bark closes this summer but the permanent Oak Creek dog park won't open until 2025. I remain unsatisfied with the city's responses and the lack of concrete guarantees.

Therefore, I will continue to request the volunteer advisor position, as it's the only way I see to ensure timely and accurate information from the city. I am starting a guerrilla and social marketing campaign for the petition.  Moving forward I will attend all City Council and public meetings to advocate for our cause and hold them accountable for providing transparent information and a timeline for the new dog park. It's unacceptable that Irvine Central Bark is poorly maintained, and a potential 19-month wait for a new park is not justifiable.

I urge anyone who can to join me at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 14th. Together, we can voice our concerns about the lack of a properly maintained dog park and the need for timely, accurate information about the new park. Your presence and support will make a difference.

The City Council meets at the City Council Chamber, Irvine City Hall (1 Civic Center Plaza, corner of Alton and Harvard).  The time to be there is 4:00 pm.  I will be there at 3:30pm

Sincerely,

Crit Van Tuyl (The talkative old guy)

P.S. Thank you for all your support!