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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8535 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No, 8535 October 14, 2003 ran To the Mayor and Members of the City Council a a4 Page 1 of 2 &X +a73 SUBJECT: OFF-LEAS11 DOG PARKS On September 16, 2003 a citizen presentation was made regarding Off-Leash Dog Parks. City Council requested staff prepare a report discussing the potential for the city to construct an off- leash facility for exercising dogs. Off-leash "dog parks" have gained popularity across the country with the cities of Dallas, Plano and Austin having built parks in recent years (Arlington currently has a park in the planning phase). Although no park has been built in Fort Worth, the Parks and Community Services Department recognized the trend, investigated the concept and created a policy for development of off-leash parks in FY 2000-01. The policy was developed after research into the successes and failures of off-leash dog parks across the United States and provides guidelines for facility development and cost, rules of use, maintenance criteria, annual operating cost and recommendations for user fees to offset - maintenance cost. The park would include amenities such as 6 ft. chain link fencing, parking for 25 cars, irrigation of high use areas and security lighting. Any site that already has parking, lighting, fencing, or some of the needed infrastructure would reduce the cost of constructing such a site. The estimated cost of constructing a facility of this type is approximately $150,000. This proposes constructing on an existing park site and does not include acquisition cost. PACS staff is reviewing potential sites throughout the city that will meet the criteria for a successful dog park. The criteria, which was developed from discussion with city officials locally and nationwide, includes the following: • Located in community or regional park • Input from Health and Police Department Minimum of 100 yards from any neighborhood area 0 Fencing — 6 ft. • Minimum of 5 acres • Separate areas for large and small dogs • Parking lot or street parking for at least 25 cars • Water (availability and infrastructure to support drinking fountain and irrigation) • Electricity for security light • Historically low use and undeveloped area The Parks and Community Services Advisory Board endorsed the policy for off-leash parks in September 2001 and the Government and Neighborhood Relations Committee endorsed the policy in December 2001. Required changes to the City Code allowing off-leash parks occurred when the Park and Community Services Department's section of the City Code, Chapter 24, underwent general review and modification in June of 2003. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8535 October 14, 2003 Ain To the Mayor and Members of the City Council s Page 2 of 2 `v w4uw_;h a. 107-3 SUBJECT: OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS In the original Parks and Community Services Department proposal for CIP projects, four off-leash dog parks were included, one in each quadrant of the city at $150,000 each. Subsequently they were removed as proposals were prioritized to accommodate available bonding capacity. If it is City Council's desire to move ahead with the development of one or more off-leash dog parks, policy direction is needed on the following issues: • Should a single pilot project be implemented or should four off-leash dog parks, one in each quadrant of the city be established? • Should construction funds be included in the CIP currently under consideration by City Council or should existing park development dollars be designated for this purpose? (There are only enough existing funds identified for one location). • The operating and maintenance cost per park is estimated at $36,000 annually. Should a user fee be established to offset these costs? In addition, should the staff explore marketing and sponsorship opportunities to generate revenue? 0 _fhe Gateway Park Master Plan identified the potential to locate an off-leash facility in the park. Gateway Park meets the criteria for a successful park. The facility could be located in an area adjacent to the softball complex and would be able to share parking and security lighting with the fields. This would significantly decrease the cost for facility development. As a result, staff recommends that if Council desires to start with a pilot project, Gateway Park be utilized. Staff is prepared to either use the criteria to identify other potential sites or move forward with a pilot project. We propose, unless otherwise directed, placing this matter on the next Government and Neighborhood Relations Committee Agenda in order to begin obtaining answers to the above policy questions. If you need additional information, please contact Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager or Randle Harwood, Acting Director at 817-871-5704. Gay . Jackson City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS