Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission considers Washoe Park dog park; neighbors voice support and logistical concerns
Summary
Parks Director proposed converting under‑one‑acre site near Maple Street bridge into a dog park; commissioners and staff flagged flooding, fill and enforcement questions while a resident urged moving forward to provide a safe recreation space.
Parks and Recreation Director Joe Ungaretti presented a long‑standing proposal to build a dog park at the end of Washoe Park Road near the Maple Street bridge, saying the site has an existing parking lot and natural shading and that fencing options and site layout are under review.
Ungaretti described plans for one service gate, two man gates and a path into the park; he said contractors walked the site with staff and that boundary adjustments were made to reduce the need for fill. “We will have one service gate and two man gates; we will also create a path into the park,” Ungaretti said.
Commissioner Ed Beaudette asked about historical flooding from Warm Springs Creek and whether that risk had been addressed; Ungaretti said culverts and ditches have been considered and that most water would come from the high side, not the creek. Commissioners and staff also discussed enforcement and whether the new park would steer dog owners away from playing fields at Charlotte Yeoman Complex and Benny Goodman Park.
Resident Colleen Riley, who identified herself as a dog owner from 1906 Ogden St., told the commission that a dog park would bring people downtown and help with socialization for dogs and owners. “I particularly love Washoe Park, and I appreciate the maintenance that has been happening in our parks over the last few years,” Riley said, urging the commission to move forward.
CEO Bill Everett and Chair Kevin Hart said the location is promising but that community input and clarity on maintenance and monitoring would be important next steps. The commission placed the item on a future agenda for further review and public input.
