San Juan Oaks parks: staff seeks commission input on interpretive signs and ad hoc group; dog parks and community garden included in plan

Bridal Goodspeed, principal planner, presented the San Juan Oaks park plan and asked commissioners whether the Parks and Recreation Commission wishes to lead or form an ad hoc committee to develop content for about five or six interpretive signs at the site.

Goodspeed reviewed planned park elements: parking with ADA stalls, restrooms, a community garden, small and large dog park areas, adult fitness stations, picnic/fire‑pit spaces and a walking area where interpretive signs will be placed. She told the commission the olive oil pressed on site will be sold in the San Juan Oaks gift shop.

Goodspeed and staff discussed the ad hoc option as a way to involve the city, historical society and tribal representatives in sign content. Staff noted that a formal ad hoc requires board action; commissioners expressed interest in ensuring the signs reflect local history, agriculture and tribal context and suggested including REACH, the city planning staff and local tribes. Goodspeed said the developer is conditioned to construct the parks and convey them to the county.

Commissioners also discussed the small and large dog parks. Staff said the two separate fenced areas are sized differently rather than meant to exclude any dog types; staff expects the physical layout to guide use but will add signage. Commissioners suggested keeping the owner responsibility for behavior enforcement and to include clear signage.

Ending: Staff said it will return with a formal ad hoc proposal to the board if the commission chooses to form one, and will continue coordination with the city, tribes and community groups about interpretive content and park amenities.