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Council discusses $400,000 dog‑park line item and a phased, low‑cost start
Summary
Councilmembers discussed a parks priority listing that included up to $400,000 for a dog park; City Manager Marcus Nichols said splash‑pad work consumed some budgeted funds and suggested beginning with basic fencing (~$20,000) and phasing enhancements over future years.
Mayor Mary Perry asked whether the council could begin work in spring to establish a dog park at a previously discussed site. Marcus Nichols said a parks‑priority list included a dog park with spending "up to the amount of $400,000" and that the city may have budgeted for that amount in prior planning, though he added that splash‑pad installation costs this year had used some of the funds.
Councilmembers debated the scale and timing. One member said $400,000 is a large amount for a dog park and suggested starting with roughly $20,000 for fencing, then adding amenities incrementally in subsequent years ("Another 10, 15 the next year"). Nichols said the project would be referred to the parks board for consideration and that the west side of the creek (part of city property) could be a potential site.
Several members emphasized other park priorities, with at least one counselor saying improvements at Home Avenue park should be completed before committing large sums to a dog park. Nichols acknowledged the $400,000 figure but cautioned that the full amount may not be available in the current fiscal year due to other capital spending.
Why this matters: The discussion establishes a city priority and a possible funding envelope for a dog park, but the council did not adopt a final plan or make an appropriation during the recorded work session. The transcript shows a preference among some members to begin with lower‑cost, phased improvements rather than a single large expenditure.
What happens next: Nichols said staff will bring the issue to the parks board for formal consideration and that budget availability will influence timing and scope.
