Superior council reallocates funds to install dog park fence, parks director says work will finish before ground freezes

The Superior Common Council on Oct. 3 approved a change to the city's capital improvement program to fund fence installation and related improvements at the Municipal Forest dog park.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Cadotte said the funding comes from “savings from grants received and work being completed internally versus contracted out,” and recommended moving previously eliminated items — including additional vault toilets and parking-lot/boat-launch preparation — from the Wisconsin Point Dune restoration project into the dog park budget. “The preparation is almost nearly complete of the site,” Cadotte said. “The installation of the fence by A1 would be completed before the ground is frozen.”

Councilor Fennessy, who helped press the item, thanked staff and called the dog park “long overdue” for Superior residents. She asked about the construction schedule and whether a $7,500 waterline in the budget would be installed this year. Cadotte replied that the parks crew would need to determine whether boring for the line could occur this year and that, if installed, the line would primarily prepare the site for future restroom or drinking-fountain facilities.

Council discussion also noted community involvement in the project. Cadotte said volunteers and an Enbridge work group helped bring the idea forward through a leadership program. Councilor Ludwig moved approval of the capital improvement adjustment; Councilor Bender seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

The council approved the reallocation as described on the record; staff said next steps include contracting for the fence installation, completing site prep (including adding wood chips as a base), and confirming whether the $7,500 waterline can be installed this year.

The council took no public comment on this item before adjourning.