Sellwood Park, Portland

That circular area in the middle of Sellwood Waterfront Park is supposed to be an off leash dog area, but has been highjacked by the city for concerts and festivals throughout the summer. When we first moved into the area, it was ideal for exercising our doberman. Then the city changed the off-leash hours so "people" could picnic in that area. Why people would want to eat where animals releive themselves is beyond me. 6pm on weekdays and 7pm on weekends is ridiculous for working people who generally cook around that time. The city has also ramped up it's "dog police", park employees who are paid our tax dollars to roam around and look for off-leash dogs and potentially ticket them $150. If you dog even strays a bit beyond the boundary they will approach you. Then they will watch you until you fianlly leave. SOme of them have been dressing up to look more militant, with combat boots tucked into their pants. This is supposed to be a dog park, and it is shared with people who picnic and bring their children which is fine, but the fascist attitude of the city regarding dogs is becoming more and more ludicrous. There are no other dog parks in the Sellwood area, dedicated or otherwise, so it's unfair to all dog owners in the area who have to find other means to run their dogs.