Title
Agenda Item:
Recommendations for Off-Leash Dog Areas in Olympia
Body
Issue:
After complaints about noise and related disruptions experienced by neighbors to the Sunrise Off-Leash Dog Area (OLDA). the City Council asked the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and staff to develop recommendations for siting of new off-leash dog areas and closing of Sunrise Park OLDA
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to authorize staff to proceed with next steps consistent with the recommendations from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (listed below numbered 1-5), with the understanding that any land acquisition or lease agreement and park development would be subject to Council approval and funding appropriation.
Staff Contact:
Dave Okerlund, Parks Planning Manager, 360.570.5855
Presenter(s):
David Hanna, OPARD Associate Director
Rob Ahlschwede, Chair, PRAC
Jim Nieland, Vice-Chair, PRAC
Background and Analysis:
Our Approach:
Two public workshops were conducted to understand the needs and frustrations of both dog park users and dog park neighbors. Following these meetings, a 10-member citizen's advisory group was formed comprised of volunteers from the two public workshops. Several members of the group live adjacent to the Sunrise Park off-leash dog area (OLDA). This group met seven times since it was formed in April, 2012. With the exception of discussions with land owners/managers, citizen advisory group members have participated in all facets of the site identification process. The citizen advisory group worked with staff, neighbors and interested citizens to develop criteria for the identification of potential OLDA sites.
What We Did:
- The hours of operation at Sunrise Park off-leash dog area were reduced and the facility closed on Sundays
- OPARD staff and citizen's advisory group members researched over 20 potential sites.
- Citizen advisory group members and staff participated in conference calls with dog park experts from Portland and Belli...
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