Salina parks staff updated the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on June 17 about new dog‑park infrastructure and increased maintenance that will affect access for users.

Parker Park’s fencing and concrete work are finished, staff said, but metal shade and amenity structures ordered for the site remain on a multimonth delivery timeline; staff reported an expected arrival in July and said the park will open after installation. Barclay Park — which staff and board members described as heavily used — has a user request for expanded gathering space across its three sections and added shade; staff said a change order for that work will be submitted to the governing body for approval and would be done under the existing contractor when approved.

Separately, staff described a stepped‑up maintenance plan for Berkeley Park’s turf to address an invasive grassy weed that affects users and dogs. The plan includes a pre‑emergent and broad weed treatment in fall plus an added spring application; staff warned this will require closures for three to five days to water in treatments and avoid exposing dogs to chemicals. The staff presentation said rotational maintenance and periodic closures will continue to allow reseeding and recovery.

Board members asked whether staff can quantify dog‑park use; staff said no automated counts are in place currently, though the city is exploring geofencing software in partnership with Visit Salina that could estimate foot‑traffic from mobile data in the future. Staff emphasized they are seeking quotes now for additional fencing at Barclay to create overflow space, and will return to the board with updates as governing‑body approvals and material deliveries occur.