Park committee lifts administrative holds to allow bidding for White River dog park and Price Park natural playground

The Walworth County Park Committee voted Monday to remove administrative holds so staff can begin procurement and bidding for two capital projects: a dog park at White River Park and a natural playground at Price Park.

Committee members and parks staff said the projects were included earlier in the county’s capital planning amendments. Parks staff told the committee that starting the bid process now improves the chance of completing construction this summer.

The committee’s discussion cited survey results and community feedback in support of the dog park. A parks staff member said the Price Park dog park was proposed after a county survey showed demand and because White River is one of the county’s most‑visited parks. A committee member asked for usage numbers; staff replied a numerical count was not available and the recommendation was based on survey results and community contacts.

Members also discussed size and placement. Parks staff said the dog park at White River would be located in the Phase 5 area ‘‘kinda right off the road there,’’ with the plan to provide both a large- and small-dog area similar to the existing Price Park layout.

Committee members raised maintenance and footprint concerns and asked about anticipated upkeep. Parks staff said the dog park footprint would be modest and that maintenance needs had been considered in planning. There was no change to the scope announced at the meeting.

The committee voted in favor of releasing the administrative holds to proceed with procurement. The motion carried.

The committee did not set construction contract awards at the meeting; staff said subsequent procurement steps would follow county purchasing rules and return to the committee or county as required.