Dog park advocates offer volunteer help as council continues study on relocation

At the start of the April 10 meeting a resident who identified herself as Lisa Thompson addressed the council during the citizen communication period to urge continued conversation about the city’s dog park and to offer volunteer planning help.

Thompson said she spoke at the prior meeting when the council tabled a decision on relocating the dog park and that she and a community group remain willing to assist the city. “We’re committed to helping in any way we can,” Thompson told the council, adding she has experience as a city planner and has visited the two sites the council had discussed. She said both sites “have some great potential” but noted the current park is small and “there are challenges.”

Council members and staff reiterated that the relocation question was previously tabled to allow members time to study the two candidate locations and to look for any other suitable city-owned land. City Manager Miller said city resources are limited and that available grant funding is unlikely to cover a land purchase plus construction. Mayor Williams said any potential relocation should be “top notch” with adequate amenities and maintenance; he specifically mentioned restrooms as a desired feature if the park is moved to Springvale.

Thompson also referenced a grant figure discussed previously — approximately $50,000 — and encouraged the city to pursue grant funding and community partnerships to expand or improve the facility. She offered to serve as a liaison between the community group and city staff and to volunteer planning time.

Ending Council indicated the dog park discussion remains in study status; staff will continue costing and site analysis and will place any formal relocation proposal on a future tentative or regular agenda so the public can attend and comment.