Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09. Develop Dog Run at Rio San Gabriel Park AGENDA MEMO DATE: June 22, 2010 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Office of the City Manager Desi Alvarez, Deputy City Manager SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT OF A DOG RUN AT RIO SAN GABRIEL PARK RECOMMENDATION That the Mayor and City Council approve the construction of a dog run at Rio San Gabriel Park, and appropriate $35,000 from the General Fund to make necessary improvements. BACKGROUND In September 2009, the City Council, recognizing that a growing number of Downey residents desire a safe place to recreate and exercise their dogs, requested the development of a plan for the construction of a dedicated park to accommodate dog owners. Various potential sites for a dog park within the City of Downey have been researched and the City’s twelve park sites were evaluated to determine their suitability for use as a dog park. DISCUSSION There are several important factors in determining a potential dog park location. For example, the potential adverse affects on residential neighborhoods, such as increased noise and unpleasant odors, must be taken into consideration. Additionally, the park space in the City of Downey is a scarce commodity. Every season, a lottery is held to determine sports field reservations, and the Community Services Department consistently finds it can not accommodate all the sports leagues and community groups request for park use because there simply is not enough turf space for everyone. The heavy use of City parks and lack of surplus open space makes re-purposing of most of the existing turf grass space for other uses a zero sum game. Re-purposing sports field space for a dog park is further complicated by the City’s historic preference to maintain playing space for children and City residents. Keeping these limitations in mind, and without the availability of an easily developed vacant parcel of land, the selection of a site for a dog run was focused on finding an appropriate location for a dog run in one of the City’s parks. CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA Development of a Dog Run June 22, 2010 Page 2 RIO SAN GABRIEL DOG RUN After reviewing the location, use and layout of the City’s twelve parks a tree-canopied area at the northeastern edge of Rio San Gabriel Park adjacent to the San Gabriel River appears to be the best site for a dog run. Development of this grass area as a dog run will not remove vitally-important sports fields. This area is far enough away from residences to avoid disturbances, and it is conveniently adjacent to the San Gabriel River bike path for use by joggers, walkers and bicyclists. The area is not currently used for organized activities, is not available for reservation, and is frequently unused by park patrons. Rio San Gabriel Park is easily accessible to residents throughout the City of Downey, and there is Aerial view of Rio San Gabriel Park convenient parking near the proposed dog run. A perimeter fence would establish a 75 foot by 210 foot, off-leash recreation area for dog owners to exercise their pets. An outer gate would separate the main park from the entrance vestibule, and an inner gate would separate the entrance vestibule from the fenced-off dog run. Trash cans Rio San Gabriel Park and bags for clean-up would also be provided inside the fenced area. Signs would be posted with dog park rules and regulations, including the stipulation that all dogs must be licensed and have current DOG RUN vaccinations. The operation and San Gabriel River maintenance of the dog run Close-upofProposedDogRunSite will be provided for in the same manner as the other park facilities in the City of Downey. Typical Rules and Regulations for the Dog Run: 1. Dog owners are responsible for all actions of their pets and are required to monitor their dogs’ behavior at all times. 2. Dog owners must carry a leash for each dog in their care while using the dog run. 3. All dogs must have current rabies shots, a current dog license, and a current rabies tag displayed on a collar or harness. Development of a Dog Run June 22, 2010 Page 3 4. Dogs that are in heat, are sick or have internal or external parasites (fleas, ticks or worms) are not permitted in the Park. 5. Puppies under four months old are not permitted in the Park. 6. Dog owners must keep the dog run gates closed at all times. 7. Dog owners must remain in the dog run with their dogs. Unattended dogs are not permitted and are subject to removal by SEAACA. 8. Dog owners are responsible to clean up after their dogs. 9. Dog owners are responsible to prevent dogs from digging holes. 10. Dog owners must immediately remove any dog that becomes aggressive. 11. Dogs and their owners that violate these rules are subject to removal and possible suspension from the Park. FISCAL IMPACT The cost to construct a fenced-off dog park area in Rio San Gabriel Park with entrance gates and trash receptacles is approximately $35,000. Ongoing maintenance of the park would be incorporated into existing maintenance contracts and is expected to have a negligible impact on the overall cost of the contract.