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<br /> <br /> <br />TO: Parks & Recreation Commission <br /> <br />FROM: Bryce Shearen, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager <br /> <br />DATE: May 5, 2017 <br /> <br />RE: Dog Park Update <br /> <br />Staff is looking at better utilizing some of the current space we have and adding a dog park to <br />one of the City-owned hockey rinks has been discussed. Since the boards of the hockey rink are <br />already up, it serves as an excellent contained area to let the dogs run around. When looking at <br />the two rinks in the City, staff believes that the Demont Avenue rink is the better option to <br />implement a dog park. The hockey rink behind the Old Fire Hall may have some parking issues <br />with rentals and the use of the skateboard park. The Demont rink does not appear to not have <br />any drainage issues but some may develop with a lot of use from dogs. One downside of the <br />Demont Avenue rink is the lack of shade to provide the dogs and their owners. <br /> <br />Key tasks that need to be completed in order to convert the hockey rink are: <br />• Add temporary fencing over larger opening of the rink to contain dogs but allow staff to <br />still be able to gain access with equipment. <br />• Add a leash/un-leash fenced area prior to entering dog park. <br />• Install mailbox that can store litter bags (similar to other parks in the City where staff has <br />installed them). <br />• Add garbage cans. <br />• Create a sign of dog park ‘rules’. <br /> <br />Things to consider: <br />• Add a bench or two. <br />• Add a water source for the dogs. <br />• Utilization of lighting. <br /> <br />Other cities said that their hockey rink conversion to a dog park has been positively accepted by <br />residents as they offer them the ability to walk their dogs and exercise them without having to <br />drive them to an off-leash site. It also offers another opportunity for the utilization of spaces that <br />typically are not used for over half the year. The other cities have not experienced any major <br />issues and when asked about dogs fighting or biting people, they said those issues have not <br />happened at their dog parks that they are aware of. <br /> <br />Some example language that could be added to a ‘rules’ sign: <br /> <br />• Dogs must be licensed in Little Canada and properly vaccinated. <br />• Please respect our neighbors and keep your dog within the confines of the park property. <br />26