Board votes to replace dog-park gravel and restore waste stations; asks staff to follow up

At the June 25 meeting the Estacada Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved two motions addressing the dog park: one recommending replacement of the existing gravel surface with dog-friendly material (wood chips or sand) and another calling for dog-waste stations in the dog park and near the restroom area.

A board member raised concerns that the current gravel is not suitable for dogs and suggested alternatives used at other regional dog parks (engineered wood chips or sand). The member made a motion to recommend the change; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board did not set a funding source during the meeting; staff said the parks maintenance group would be involved in any procurement or installation decisions.

The board passed a separate motion, also by voice vote, to request dog-waste stations in two locations: inside the dog park and by the public restrooms. Members noted a waste station was removed during construction of a splash pad and had not been reinstalled. The motion called for staff to restore or add stations to improve park cleanliness.

Members also discussed park sightlines and safety along the meridian (strip between street and sidewalk), noting plantings should be kept low (three feet or less) so the skate area and park interior remain visible from the street. A member described a recent incident where a child fell and was assisted by passersby; members asked staff to confirm lighting coverage and patrols in the park during evening hours.

The board asked staff to follow up with the parks maintenance supervisor on materials options for the dog-park surface, cost estimates, and placement of waste stations. No final procurement or installation date was set at the meeting.