Neighbors renew opposition to Backus Park dog‑park location; city says project remains paused while alternatives are sought

Residents from neighborhoods near Backus Park told the Frisco City Council on Tuesday they remain opposed to a proposed dog park in a heavily forested portion of Backus Park and asked new council members to inspect the site.

Eric Hansen, speaking during citizen input, summarized the outreach that began with council action in November 2023 to authorize a design contract and described subsequent meetings in which residents raised concerns about locating a large dog park in the forested area. Hansen said the council placed the project on pause and asked Parks staff to look for alternate sites; he told the council that the pause remains in effect but residents are disappointed the city has not yet ruled out the original forested location.

Hansen urged the council to consider other locations in Backus Park or in less forested parks and extended an invitation to the two newly sworn‑in council members to walk the site and see neighbors’ concerns firsthand.

Parks staff previously said they are exploring alternatives; at this meeting no new site decision was announced. Council members acknowledged the concern and accepted the offer to meet with residents to view the site, and the matter remains on the Parks Department’s work list for further study.