Henningsen Lotus Park

To whom it may concern,
. The past three times i have gone with my friends/​family and dog I have been very disappointed. I have lived here for 25 years and have never had so many issues with other people and dogs. I have a 7 month old dog, who I keep on his leash the entire time. My dog is very friendly, roughly 30 pounds, and loves people and dogs. I have no fear of him hurting anyone else but I follow the leash law and keep him on the leash the entire time. However, the last time in particular, there were at least 4 very large & aggressive dogs that were running around without a leash, their owners were not watching and came running after my dog and me. I am pregnant and feared for my health & safety as well as my dog. It is disgusting that so many people do not follow the leash rule when they have aggressive dogs. I should also note this was by the water, not on the grass area where a dog running would be appropriate. I have no issue with well behaved dogs that are controlled by their owners. I would like to see someone patrolling the park to ensure the safety of visitors.
This last incident was before Memorial Day weekend so I am not sure if there is someone there full time now;but it is also not the first time I have had this problem. We purchased a season parking pass and are so frustrated by our experiences that we don’t feel safe. I hope this issue can be fixed to allow EVERYONE to enjoy the river with their beloved pets. I would hate to see a young child being attacked by a dog, or someone like myself who is pregnant put in a dangerous position.
If you have any questions I am happy to answer them.

River Zen and dog friendly. Love spending time here enjoying nature and solitude. A lawn chair, a good book and it’s a mini vacation for me. Heaven.

I love this park… It is a place I can be one with nature… beautiful flowing river, the trees, the silence, the warm caring people I have met there… I take my dogs after work and sleep so well on these evenings… We swim and play ball under the blue sky. The park is beautifully maintained. The users of the park care about this place… so now, don’t everybody rush there all at once… ok??? This is all yoga, a blissful practice just to be here…

Beautiful Park! Excellent for personal rafting! :) Water was not too crazy going down, just enough excitement!

One of my favorite summer hang out spots. Rope swings, grills for bbq, cool beach spots and a good spot to run into friends.

The lovely couple at the Sutter Center Market
on Hiway 49 directed us to Lotus when we were looking for a spot to go fishing. Henningsen Lotus Park is located at the South Fork of the American River. We didn’t catch anything but we had a great time. The parking is ample in their lot and the $ 3 fee is reasonable. They are on the honor system, and I think we were the only ones to honor it.
We munched on the yummy sandwiches that we picked up at the Sutter Market and then gathered up our gear and headed out to look for a spot. After we found a location, we scrambled down the rocks and parked ourselves along the waters edge. The kids cast their lines and I just dipped my feet in the water and enjoyed the view.
Lots of kayakers, rafters and tubers drifted past us in their colorful boats. It was fun to watch them try to avoid the big boulders that were in the middle of the river. The area is really too busy to catch anything, but it was really nice to watch everyone, talk with the locals and enjoy the beautiful day.
I suggest that this is a great spot when you are in the area sightseeing to stop and take a breather. If you are traveling with kids, they will love stretching their legs and playing in the playground.