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

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MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION October 5, 2017 The Community Services Manager reported staff had researched potential off-leash dog park sites. At Westwinds Park two areas were identified. He stated the area closest to Labore Road is larger and would have better visibility and access. The Community Services Manager explained the larger section was about 32,000 square feet and there was a smaller section to the west. He noted further to the west in Thunder Bay Park there were more options. The Community Services Manager showed 4 areas in Thunder Bay Park. He stated the area to the East of Greenbrier could be a possible location, but once Greenbrier Street reconstruction occurs that may be needed for storm water retention. The Community Services Manager explained this area is also prone to standing water, but the water could be redirected. He stated some of the biggest challenges to creating a permanent off-leash dog park were parking, accessibility to water, and cost. The Community Services Manager spoke with the City of Hastings where a permanent dog park was created and their 7 acre dog park cost about $120,000. He noted this included $50,000 for fencing, $50,000 for a parking lot, and $20,000 in other costs like water and a shed. The Community Services Manager stated 7 acres was substantially larger than the area shown in the options he was presenting. He explained there was also space in Spooner Park for a dog park, and it offered more interesting terrain with wooded area and open space. The Community Services Manager stated it wasn’t abutting any residential properties, so impact to neighbors would be minimized, but there were also trails nearby allowing for convenient access. He mentioned this would impact the Canadian Days car show. The Community Services Manager reported the cost for an off leash dog park at one of the sites mentioned would cost between $10,000 and $30,000. He explained benches were about $1000 each if the standard Little Canada design was chosen, and fencing was also an additional cost. The Community Services Manager also suggested a shade structure, if one of the sites besides Spooner Park was selected. He stated most cities also use a bring your own water policy. The Community Services Manager also investigated potential sponsorships. He suggested it may be helpful to involve local veterinarian clinics, businesses, the Humane Society or other neighborhood or community groups to provide additional funding. The Community Services Manager concluded that these spaces are on the smaller side and other opportunities could be investigated, depending on the Commission’s comments and suggestions. Sullivan suggested the northeast side of Pioneer Park for a dog park location. Ray noted, the space was adjacent to parking and not too close to existing residential housing. The Community Service Manager stated the space was about half of an acre. PERMANENT OFF-LEASH DOG PARK DISCUSSION