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

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STAFF REPORT TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Bryce Shearen, Parks and 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 community garden in the city. Staff has researched the possible locations and some preliminary cost estimates for budgeting purposes. Staff has also identified some possible challenges that may be faced at the different locations. Location Attachment A includes possible locations for a community garden in the city that staff has identified. Staff looked at areas that are flat, mostly sunny, visible, and accessible. Parking in some of the identified locations does pose an issue but could potentially be accommodated with on-street parking, an addition of a parking lane, or with the construction of a small parking lot. Three different areas have been identified for a community garden. Pioneer Park, under the power lines on Edgerton St., and on the corner property of Spruce St. and South Owasso Blvd. Within Pioneer Park, two separate areas seem to be a good choice for a community garden. Those two areas are: 1) Along the Southern edge of the park. This area is approximately 10,000 square feet. 2) Towards the east end of the park (Desoto St. side), just east of the existing open-air shelter. This area is approximately 12,000 square feet. Pioneer Park offers ample parking and receives plenty of sun. Depending on where in the park the garden is, installing water may be easily accessible. It is in close proximity to single-family residential, townhomes, and apartment complexes offering a wide range of individuals that may be interested in utilizing the garden. The smaller size compared to the other locations may make it a good area as a ‘trial’ location. Challenges in this location are; water accessibility (South end of the park), vandalism, deer, and involvement of the neighborhood. The two areas that have been identified along Edgerton Street are south of County Road D underneath the power lines are on the east or west side of the road (identified as ‘3’ and ‘4’ in Attachment A). These areas are much larger and are approximately 50,000+ square feet. These locations would need to get approval from the landowner but they offer a large space that could accommodate many people and have room to grow. This area offers great visibility to promote the community garden. Parking would be a primary concern at this location. Off-street parking should be available at this location with the amount of traffic on Edgerton St. Water accessibility is also an issue at this location. The last area identified is at the corner of Spruce Street and South Owasso Blvd (identified as ‘5’ in Attachment A). This area is approximately 50,000+ square feet. This location would also need approval