Parks board delays volunteer walking-path work while considering French drain and engineered wood chips for flooded dog park

Ocean Shores Parks Board members on July 9 said a planned volunteer-built walking path that could incorporate a French drain and engineered wood chips for the dog park will remain on hold until the mayor signs off on the full scope.

A board speaker described the situation: the dog park "floods," the mayor approved using engineered wood chips similar to playground footing, and the board is considering digging a drain to route runoff away from the large-dog side. The speaker said the board preferred to wait for mayoral approval of the combined work to avoid redoing volunteer efforts.

Why it matters: Board members said the large-dog portion of the dog park floods quickly, prompting large dogs to cross to the small-dog side and creating safety and space issues. The planned work — a walking path that would allow volunteers to excavate, install a French drain, and place about six inches of engineered wood chips — is intended to improve drainage and surface conditions.

Discussion and constraints: The board noted that if volunteers first placed chips and later the drain was dug, crews would have to re-dig and replace materials. Board members referenced a previous volunteer presentation by a board member with construction and playground experience who supported the combined approach. The mayor’s full approval for the drainage work remained outstanding at the meeting.

Action status and next steps: No formal motion to proceed with construction was made; the board instructed staff to await mayoral sign-off so volunteer work and any excavation can be completed together. Public Works and the mayor’s office were cited as decision points for authorizing the drain and associated work.

Ending: The board said it will coordinate with the mayor and Public Works and notify volunteers when a combined plan is approved.