05-04-2009 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Blaine Park Board doesn't bite on dog park site • Wednesday, 29 April 2009 by Tim Hennagir Life Editor Blaine Park Board commissioners still aren't biting on the idea of partially using a Lexington Avenue open space parcel for a long debated city -owned dog park or off -leash dog exercise area. The board revisited the dog park development issue for the second straight month Tuesday night. In March, commissioners reviewed the city's history of previous dog park proposals. During that meeting, Kappelhoff reminded the board the topic had been discussed extensively several years ago, but never reached city council members in recommendation form. Possible use of open space was mentioned as one option for dog park development. The issue was subsequently discussed at a joint council -park board meeting April i6. During the April meeting, recently purchased open space property at 1198o Lexington was mentioned as a suitable site for a proposed dog park because it had favorable features. Kappelhoff said approximately three to five acres of the parcel could be used for a dog park. Space would be available for a parking lot, which could be accessed off of Lexington Avenue. Council members voiced support for continuing dog park development, Kappelhoff said. Park board members wanted to review a League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) position paper. This map shows the location of a proposed io -acre site for a dog park or off -leash dog excerise area near Lexington Avenue in Blaine. Approximately three to five acres of the parcel could be used for a dog park. Space would be available for a parking lot, which could be accessed off of Lexington Avenue.(Map Graphic Courtesy City of Blaine) According to Kappelhoff, the LMC's risk management division had advised against developing dog parks because of possible liability and neighborhood impact issues. However, the LMC's revised position leans favorably toward development, stating dog parks have not proven to be a significant source of complaints or public risk, Kappelhoff said.