Board discusses dog-park plans, staff changes and site renovations at Kennedy Park

At the May 7 meeting, the Park Board discussed plans to renovate an existing fenced area near the bottom of Kennedy Park to create a dog-park facility with multiple staged fenced areas and possible restroom access, and staff said work could advance within roughly 30 days.

Commissioners described the Kennedy Park site as a priority and said fencing and an on-site building that could be revived for restrooms make it a practical candidate. “We are moving on that…probably within the next 30 days or so,” a parks staff member said, adding the work aims to create separated/“staged” fenced areas for different sizes or types of use.

The board also reported that the city is looking into improvements at North Park and that Pulaski Park discussion had previously favored leaving an open space rather than reinstalling a fence. Commissioners asked that the Kennedy Park dog-park renovation and Pulaski Park plans be placed on the next agenda for a vote and further neighborhood engagement.

Separately, the board confirmed operational staffing changes: Sam and Nina are consolidating permit intake and event coordination, a new parks clerk has started and will take on day-to-day permit coordination, and Charlie Denmeade will be the point of contact for park operations going forward as Commissioner Alvaro transitions roles. Commissioners said they will distribute Charlie’s cell number for public contact.

Board members asked staff to continue coordinating with the mayor’s office and neighborhood groups on dog-park siting, and to bring finalized plans and any budget implications back to the board.