Date: August 2nd, 2006

Dear friends of Somerville Dogs,

I understand that the people who have come to love and depend upon the Off-Leash Recreational Area at Nunziato Field are unhappy, upset and disgruntled about the news that the Area will be closed during peak hours this weekend.

In the past two years Somerville dog owners have worked to find ways to share open space in Somerville, and we have always been respectful of our neighbors and other park users. These values are essential to our community and to our efforts for open spaces that serve the many and diverse recreational needs of everyone in the community. Please continue to uphold them!

Pat Jehlen called me this afternoon in her capacity as Outreach Director for the Open Air Circus. She assures me that the Circus did not ask the City to close the Off-Leash Recreational Area, and that as far as she is concerned, the OLRA need not be closed to accommodate their performances this weekend.

This weekend the Open Air Circus has several performances at Nunziato Field, the culmination of several weeks of classes in which Somerville children have learned circus arts such has stilt-walking, juggling, and clowning. Today is the last day of dress rehearsals. Please be courteous to the children in Nunziato Field who are practicing for the Open Air Circus and respectful of the families and friends of the performers and volunteers who work with the Circus.

Respectfully yours,
Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group
www.somdog.org