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Commission authorizes design of a permanent dog park at 520 University Drive
Summary
The commission authorized staff to design a permanent off‑leash dog park at the city‑owned parcel at 520 University Drive, endorsing the vice mayor's concept for small‑dog turf and rotating large‑dog natural grass areas, with a 25‑ft native plant buffer; staff will pursue private funding and return with design details.
The Coral Gables City Commission voted to authorize staff to move forward with design of a permanent off‑leash dog park on the city parcel at 520 University Drive, at Segovia Street. The resolution directs staff to develop detailed drawings that include landscape buffer screening, irrigation, mitigation for adjacent residences and materials consistent with city standards.
Vice Mayor Anderson introduced the item and presented a conceptual plan that separates a small‑dog area (artificial turf) from two larger natural‑grass play areas that can be rotated to allow grass recovery. Greenspace staff described a 25‑foot multilayer native‑plant buffer along the residential edge (gumbo limbo, buttonwood, wild coffee and similar species), buried fence options to prevent digging, irrigation for long‑term plant health, and artificial turf specified for dog parks in the small‑dog enclosure. The vice mayor said the park will be funded through private donations and partner commitments; staff will provide final budget and maintenance plans as part of the design phase.
Resident organizer Mary Powell presented a petition with over 225 signatures in support and urged a centrally located, walkable site to improve safety and community connections. Commissioners said they backed further dog parks citywide as new green properties become available and emphasized the need for careful design to protect neighbors and reduce off‑site impacts.
The motion to authorize design work carried on a recorded vote after public comment. The resolution instructs staff to advance schematic designs, cost estimates, donor commitments and an operations plan for return to the commission. The appropriation of construction funds was not part of the design authorization and will be addressed in a future funding action if needed.
