10-05-2017 Parks & Rec Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Bryce Shearen, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager DATE: September 28, 2017 RE: Consideration for a Permanent Off-Leash Dog Park At the September 7, 2017 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting, the Commission directed staff to research the feasibility of adding a permanent off-leash dog park in the city. Staff has identified potential locations and some preliminary cost estimates for budgeting purposes. Staff has also identified some possible challenges that may be faced at the different locations. Locations Attachment A includes possible locations for a permanent off-leash dog park that staff has identified. Staff looked at areas that would be dog-friendly community spaces within the city. Also, taking into consideration areas that would be able to organize dog-friendly events and encourage the neighborhood to get out and meet new people. Impacts and surveying of neighboring properties were not addressed in this report but would be explored during the next steps if that were the direction of the commission. Possible locations are: Westwinds Park (east of Labore Rd.), Thunder Bay Park (east or west of Thunder Bay Rd. and east or west of Greenbrier St.), and the Lower area of Spooner Park southeast of the band shell. At the Westwinds Park, two areas could be utilized for an off-leash dog park. The area that is closest to Labore Rd. is larger and would have better visibility and access. A long connected trail system offers an area that could be accessed by pedestrians or bicyclists. Challenges in this area are a lack of shade trees, parking, water accessibility, and residential impacts to neighboring properties. Thunder Bay Park has areas on both east and west sides of Thunder Bay Rd. and Greenbrier St. These areas are very similar with the Westwinds Park area, good visibility and in close proximity to the trail system allowing for easy access. There is some limited on street parking in the area, but has potential for a small parking lot. The area to the east of Greenbrier is susceptible to having long periods of standing water and might be a possible location for storm water collection when the street is reconstructed. These areas also lack shade and the availability of water. Consideration should be made for a possible shade structure. The part of the Spooner Park that was identified was in the southern section near the band shell. This area offers plenty of shade and parking. Trails and abundant in the area and it is not near any residential properties. There is a good mix of wooded area and open space. A well is nearby that