Staff says community backs dog park; grants expected to cover build costs

City staff reported during the May workshop that a recent community engagement event and an accompanying survey indicate broad public support for a proposed dog park, but residents flagged two recurring concerns: how it would be funded and exactly where it would go. The staff member presenting the item said the project team has applied for multiple grants, including a T‑Mobile hometown grant and a Purina "Park for Your Park" opportunity, and does not currently expect to ask for general-tax revenue to build the initial facility.

That funding approach, the presenter said, would allow the city to install a modest, scalable park footprint — fencing, basic parking and drainage — and add amenities such as shade, agility features and a splash pad later if use merits expansion. "At this point we don't see any need for taxpayer investment," the staff member said, adding that the plan is to phase improvements as grant funding and demonstrated public use allow.

Neighbors and councilors questioned possible sites, especially a parcel adjacent to or on the high‑school campus. Speakers noted the site offers high visibility, direct access to a pedestrian/bike path and tie‑ins to future trail projects, but they also cautioned about proximity to the school and the risk of commercial development nearby. The presenter said the city has discussed site access and historic easements with public‑works staff and that natural buffers would be preserved along a church border if the site is chosen.

Maintenance and operations were discussed in detail. The presenter said initial site prep should prioritize drainage and utility access to reduce long‑term upkeep, and staff recommended that regular on‑site patrols, volunteer stewardship and routine waste maintenance be part of the operating plan. The group also discussed enforcement tools such as lighting and time‑lock options for amenities and the potential to integrate the site into police and parks maintenance rounds.

Next steps spelled out to the council included forming a volunteer committee (staff said roughly 10 citizens have already expressed interest), advancing select grant applications, and confirming an intended site before the June grant deadline so the proposed location can be included in any land‑and‑water conservation fund application. Staff asked the council for direction about outreach to immediate neighbors before committing the site to a competitive grant application.

The council did not take a formal vote on the proposal during the workshop; staff said they would return with more refined site work, grant application outcomes, and a recommendation if the city is asked to commit to a match or an official site designation.