Parks commission weighs temporary dog park options; funding and locations remain unresolved

The Parks and Recreation Commission reported to the City Council on Jan. 28 that Covington currently lacks both a well-located permanent dog park and dedicated funding to build one, and that commissioners are weighing temporary-options and funding sources.

Laura Morrissey, reporting for the commission, said a comprehensive dog-park report showed no clear permanent location and that "Covington doesn't have a great location nor the funds to create a permanent dog dog park at this point in time." She said commissioners discussed temporary sites including the Town Center Lawn, the Matson skate-park area (near a planned maintenance facility) and the undeveloped portion of CCP; the commission’s most-favored option was the Town Center Lawn, though Morrissey noted space and programming conflicts there.

Commissioners flagged a key planning issue: a temporary park could remain for many years and become de facto permanent. Laura said a temporary designation could last "up to 10 years," creating potential conflicts with an existing master plan for parts of CCP. On funding, the commission stated it would not support diverting funds from the aquatic center or high-priority trail projects. Commissioners discussed considering funds from later phases of Founders Park or Jenkins Creek if needed, but no funding decision was taken.

Morrissey said the commission now has the information needed to recommend next steps but "didn't come to any consensus of, yes, we really need to do this and we need to do it tomorrow." She reported that Jenkins Creek Park's parking-lot and entrance work is near completion and that the commission will elect officers in February.

Councilmembers thanked the commission for the report. No formal council action on the dog-park options was recorded at the Jan. 28 meeting.