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Terrell staff outline near‑term and long‑term options for dog park, estimate $85K–$125K for small site
Summary
City staff presented two options for a dog park: a near‑term, small‑scale park at Ben Gill Park (estimated $85,000–$125,000, 6–9 months to complete) and a larger, longer‑term site near Wildwood Lake contingent on state hospital construction. Staff will provide cost and operations estimates for the FY‑26 budget process.
Terrell, Texas — At their May 6 meeting, city staff outlined near‑term and long‑term options for establishing a public dog park in Terrell, asking public‑works and parks staff to prepare cost and operational estimates for council review and the FY‑26 budget.
Assistant City Manager Mark Mills summarized two options. The near‑term option would convert the former playground footprint at Ben Gill Park into a small‑scale dog park; depending on amenities, staff estimated a development cost of roughly $85,000 to $125,000 and a conservative completion timeline of six to nine months after bid and contract award. Staff said operational costs and staffing impacts would be included in FY‑26 budget estimates.
A longer‑term option would use city‑owned property near the state hospital and Wildwood Lake for a larger regional dog park. Mills and parks staff said safety and access concerns mean that site could not be developed until construction of the new state hospital entryway is finished.
Parks staff noted the Ben Gill area has adjacent concrete parking and that entrances could be configured on the east and north sides to provide convenient access. Staff discussed fencing, signage and the need to address public‑health concerns; Parks Director Glenn (surname not recorded) said the dog park’s rules and regulations could be established by ordinance and posted at the site. Councilmembers asked staff to include options for a large‑dog and a small‑dog separation and to provide data on typical dog‑park sizes and ongoing maintenance needs.
No council vote was taken; staff said they will present cost estimates, operational impacts and potential ordinance language to the parks board and include recommendations in the FY‑26 budget process.
