Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Open Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears update on downtown dog park: $4.35 million estimate and state bond‑act replacement required after Fire Station 411 encroachment
Summary
Staff updated the council on the downtown dog park design and the need to replace 0.79 acres of parkland taken by Fire Station 411; engineers estimate construction at about $4.35 million and staff are initiating a legislative process to secure authorization and a suitable replacement parcel.
City staff on Tuesday reviewed progress on a proposed downtown dog park and said state bond‑act constraints require the city to formally authorize a land‑use change and provide replacement parkland after Fire Station 411 occupied roughly 0.79 acres of the former Second Street Park.
Andres Perez presented the October update, saying the engineer's current construction estimate for the downtown dog park project remains approximately $4,350,000. Key features in the concept plan include fenced areas for large and small dogs, a shade structure, benches, a parking lot with 10 stalls (two ADA), park lighting, security cameras, drought‑tolerant landscaping and an underground drainage system. Perez said the drainage system adds roughly $160,000 and that each of five proposed pickleball courts is estimated at about $150,000 per court.
Perez said staff confirmed the site had been developed with 1976 and 1980 state bond act funds. Under the bond requirements staff reported to council, any land developed with those funds must remain dedicated to park and recreation use unless the state legislature passes a specific authorization; the city must also offset the 0.79‑acre loss by dedicating an equal or greater parcel of land that was not previously designated as parkland and that will be used for public recreation.
Perez identified candidate city‑owned parcels that could serve as replacement parkland, including a 0.85‑acre lot near the senior center, a parcel behind Big Lots with potential as a trailhead or parking and several larger parcels (one about 3.5 acres used as a school district staging area and another behind Veterans Village). Staff reported recent outreach to the state Office of Grants and Local Services and that they have begun conversations with Assemblymember Walls' office regarding the legislative process.
Council members asked clarifying questions about how "new" parkland is defined for the offset requirement and whether parkland the city added in its general plan since the fire station construction could qualify; staff responded that the legal definition will require further review and may need city‑attorney involvement. Council members also discussed the potential of the parcel behind Big Lots as a CV Link trailhead with parking and limited amenities, an approach staff said could improve grant competitiveness.
No formal council action was taken. Perez said staff will continue to pursue grant funding for construction, confirm site encumbrances and begin the legislative steps needed to secure authorization to change land use and provide replacement parkland.
