Township approves WAG access system for Happy Trails dog park; staff cites sole‑source justification

The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors on June 16 approved a service agreement with WAG to install and operate a membership‑based access control system at the Happy Trails dog park in Cole Park, part of a phased renovation plan staff says is funded in part by grants and private donations.

Parks staff said they have secured $123,000 toward the project — about $108,000 in grant funding and $15,000 in private donations — and outlined a phase‑one package that includes expanding the dog‑park footprint, improving ADA access, adding seating and a water fountain, tree plantings and access control. Miss Scott told the board the hardware and installation costs for the initial access system are “approximately 26,840.” The agreement includes a three‑year initial term and a 36‑month warranty.

Under the proposal, WAG would manage membership accounts, vaccination verification, digital waivers, payment processing and system monitoring; the township retains ownership of the installed hardware and responsibility for grounds maintenance and complaint handling. Miss Scott said the plan calls for a revenue share: "So at 300 members, we'll receive 11.25% of all funds," which the township could reinvest in future park phases and security camera installations.

Board members pressed staff on procurement: the solicitor reviewed and recommended the township accept a sole‑source justification, saying WAG meets criteria that exclude the work from standard bidding requirements under township code. Several supervisors asked how enforcement and misuse would be handled; a WAG representative said some misuse cannot be fully prevented technically and that the company provides account controls and a process for revoking privileges after violations.

Residents raised operational concerns during public comment, including how older users or people without smartphones would access the system and how the township would respond to animal‑health emergencies. Staff said WAG can provide call‑in support and that an initial education period would allow free access while users learn the app; staff also said being able to contact members directly would help in the event of a disease outbreak or other emergency.

The board approved the WAG service agreement by voice vote. The agreement is intended to create a sustainable funding source through membership fees (staff cited a $5.99 monthly rate for residents, a promotional nonresident rate of $7.99 for two years that would later rise) and sponsorship opportunities to support later phases.

What’s next: Staff will execute the contract, run an educational rollout on the existing dog‑park area, and pursue phase‑two improvements, including camera systems and expanded controlled access.