Council approves rental of former dog park to private trainer with insurance, waivers and $25 fee

Richmond’s council approved a request from Christina Johnson of Better Behaved Dogs to rent the town’s former dog park for weekly dog‑training classes, attaching requirements intended to limit the town’s liability.

Johnson told the council the classes are typically one Sunday per week and serve as socialization and training for repeat participants. “It’s just 1 class a week on Sundays…for a lot of the dogs that attend, it’s keeping them socially acceptable,” she said.

Council members raised multiple concerns including insurance levels, waivers and the site’s prior use for storm debris. Town Administrator Karen D. Finch said anyone using town property must provide insurance and list the town as an additional insured; she requested an ACORD (proof of insurance) binder naming the town as loss payee. Town Planner Holly Gillette noted the former dog park has historically been used as a storm debris site and recommended coordination with Public Works so events do not conflict with debris staging.

Council debated fees and precedent. One member suggested a symbolic $1 rental; another proposed a $25 per‑class fee to establish a consistent precedent. The motion to approve the rental was amended and passed to require proof of insurance (ACORD binder), signed waivers from participants, and a contract to be prepared by the town solicitor, with a $25 fee per class.

The council emphasized the former dog park remains closed to the public and that the training arrangement does not reopen it for general public use; the town will retain first right of use for municipal needs. Staff will return final contract and insurance documentation to the council or confirm administrative approval according to the agreed conditions.