Heath EDC directs staff to explore temporary dog park at 305 Lawrence Drive

The Heath Economic Development Corporation voted Oct. 21 to direct city staff to explore creating a temporary dog recreational area on EDC‑owned property at 305 Lawrence Drive.

EDC staff presented a conceptual plan that would use the property’s existing fenced area and create a double‑gated entry with separate small, medium and large dog zones. Staff estimated fencing in the concept design at about $15,000 and said the site already has water access from prior agricultural use. The plan included temporary seating such as luder blocks, trash and waste stations, signage, and routine trash collection; staff said trash would need daily emptying or multiple times per day if heavily used.

Staff described the intended dog park as a temporary, walk‑up facility that could be phased with low‑cost, movable elements at first and upgraded later. "We're not anticipating using, like, the existing driveway … it's strictly [a] walk‑up dog park," Suzanne, EDC staff, said on the record.

Board members raised operational and long‑term concerns, including liability, security of nearby empty houses and parking impact for adjacent businesses. One board member said the board’s "biggest concern … is just temporary space and making sure that that's properly communicated and that once you give an amenity, you're not able to take it away." City staff reported they had consulted the police chief about security recommendations.

On a motion to direct city staff to move forward with exploring the dog zone, a board member moved and another seconded; the motion carried with all in favor.

Staff will pursue quotes, meet with city parks staff about labor and operations, and return recommendations and cost estimates for further action.