Commission reviews $11,888 fence work to separate small and large areas at Red Bank Dog Park

City staff presented a proposal to authorize $11,888 to Action Fence for fencing modifications at Red Bank Dog Park intended to separate the small-dog area from the large-dog area, create channeled entrances and improve safety for runners and walkers.

Director Tate said the expenditure represents an initial phase of a larger recapitalization plan for the park; the amount covers fence modifications and repairs to existing fence infrastructure. Tate said the improvement is a proactive measure to reduce conflicts between off-leash dogs and park users, noting the city has received complaints about aggressive loose dogs and dog-on-dog attacks that have at times led to civil litigation. Tate said the item was budgeted in the 2025 Buena Park budget and that additional phases (sidewalks and pathways) are planned for future budget cycles.

Enforcement and signage: staff said the city has stepped up messaging, posted additional signs, and worked with McKamey (animal-control partner referenced in the transcript) to increase patrols. Tate said municipal court handles animal-related cases and referenced Judge Johnny Houston as the judge who hears such matters. Commissioners asked about conspicuous signage at exit gates reminding users that dogs must be leashed beyond the fenced area; staff said new signs with ordinance language are being developed and that an illustrative plan funnels pedestrians away from gate openings to reduce encounters.

Timeline and next steps: staff said a contractor is lined up and the fence work could occur within a few weeks depending on contractor availability; the work is intended to roll into a broader park-improvement plan that will come before the commission in a future budget cycle. No formal vote was recorded in the work session; the expenditure appears as Resolution No. 25-1783 in the packet.