Superior JC’s dog-park proposal referred back to Parks & Rec; city agrees to partner on project

The Common Council voted to refer the Superior JC’s proposed dog-park project to the Parks and Recreation department and to approve a partnership between the city and the Superior JC’s to develop a fenced, off-leash dog park. Councilors asked parks staff to review potential sites and bring findings to the council at a subsequent meeting.

Amber Peterson, president of the Superior JC’s, presented the proposal and said the group had narrowed potential locations to a vacant field behind the Billings Park Civic Center. The JC’s provided preliminary cost figures for the primary expense — fencing — and said they had received a bid of roughly $23,000 for the proposed 440-by-220-foot enclosure. Peterson said the JC’s would fund approximately 75 percent of the fence cost (about $17,000) and would raise the remaining 25 percent (about $5,700), with any excess fundraising dedicated to park improvements.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Mary Morgan (listed in the packet) and JC’s representatives described planned city contributions: a 20-by-20 concrete entry slab, a gravel accessible path from the Billings Park Civic Center parking area, porta-potty access, printed aluminum signage and installation support. The JC’s said the park would include a small (about 20%) separate area for dogs 20 pounds and under, a gated double-vestibule entrance, posted rules and an expectation that owners pick up after their animals. The JC’s proposed planting buffers and future amenities as fundraising allows.

Neighbors and other speakers told the council they had limited notice of the public meeting the JC’s held, expressed concern about noise, odor and impact on green space, and asked the council to consider alternate locations. John Manion, who lives closest to the proposed site, said neighbors had not been given adequate notice and urged more outreach. Susan Horvath and others asked the council to consider sites farther from residences.

Councilors emphasized the motion’s two parts — referral to staff for vetting of site options and an in-principle approval to partner with the JC’s — and limited the discussion to whether to refer and to the partnership question. Several councilors supported referral; others emphasized the need for more neighborhood outreach and verification of alternatives. The council approved the two-part motion and referred the item to Parks & Recreation and planning for further site analysis, to return for council consideration in November.