Columbia City staff advance plan to convert old skate park into two-acre dog park

Columbia City park staff presented a detailed concept to the Columbia City Park Board on June 23 to convert the site of an old skate park into a two-part dog park with small- and large-dog areas, parking adjustments and a dog wash station.

The design, produced by JPR, would re-use the existing concrete pad where the skate ramps now sit. Pavement near the basketball goals would become the dog-entry area and wash station; adjacent pavement would be restriped for parking with vehicles able to park on one side and additional spaces provided in the nearby lot. Staff described three non-handicap spaces plus two handicap spaces near the site, and another four or five spaces in the other lot for patrons.

Why it matters: the plan turns an underused skating area into a purpose-built pet facility and aims to limit new paving and demolition by reusing existing structures. Staff said reusing ramps and other concrete elements reduces cost and provides play features that dogs use, such as tunnels and platforms.

Key features and scale: the concept separates the dog park into a small-dog zone of about a half acre and a large-dog zone approaching a full acre. Staff said eight-foot fencing is planned for the large-dog area and five-foot fencing for the small-dog side. A one-way circulation design and two double gates were shown for equipment and service access. A wash station at the low point of the site would require water and storm-sewer lines; staff said dashed lines on the plans mark planned utility runs.

Construction and timeline: staff said they want to have project details nailed down to begin construction in late fall, with a hope to open the facility next spring. They noted that the electric and fiber already reach the skate-park/pool building, which could simplify installation of cameras and network equipment.

Costs and procurement: staff reported a preliminary fence estimate “in the $57,000 to $60,000 range.” They said fencing represents the largest single cost and that staff will seek competitive bids and local vendors to verify pricing. Staff also said they will pursue smaller scope saves where crews can do value-added engineering, including some in-house utility work.

Access, safety and operations: the concept includes benches, cleared sightlines along natural swales and some retained trees for shade. Staff outlined a cellphone-based gate-lock membership system they are exploring: users would upload vaccination records and pay a membership fee that would cover locks and monthly service. Staff said the membership pass would expire with a pet’s vaccination cycle, and that waivers and liability language would be required. Staff noted enforcement and the risk of improper access are practical considerations.

Security and monitoring: cameras already exist near the skate-park/pool building, and staff said new cameras would be tied into the city network and monitored by dispatch. Staff said they would place cameras to cover entrances and high-use areas and that having lights and cameras will shorten the response time if someone is injured.

Next steps: board members asked staff to gather fence bid quotes, confirm utility routing and return with a funding plan and construction schedule. No formal ordinance or funding appropriation was adopted at the meeting; staff said some actions (vendor selection, contract awards) will return for board approval.

Ending: Park staff framed the project as an opportunity to reuse concrete assets, preserve natural features on site and deliver a dog facility sized to recommended standards for large and small dogs. They asked board members for guidance on moving forward with procurement and neighborhood outreach.