Harrisburg council directs staff to develop temporary dog park at Harris Depot Road with budget cap of $125,000

The Harrisburg Town Council voted to direct staff to develop a temporary municipal dog park on town-owned parcels on Harris Depot Road, authorizing staff to pursue the middle/expanded option with a project budget not to exceed $125,000 and to return to council with refined plans and a budget ordinance for final approval.

Staff presented three concept options for the site purchased in 2022 (the lots previously reserved for a future Fire Station 1): a base model at roughly $75,000 (minimal amenities), a mid-level option near $100,000, and an enhanced option near $125,000. Staff emphasized the temporary design would preserve the town’s long-term ability to site Fire Station 1 there and that much of the equipment (fencing, benches, play pieces) would be reusable if the park were later relocated.

“Right now, as you’re aware, Harrisburg does not have a single public dog park,” Lee, a town parks staff member leading the presentation, said, adding staff estimated roughly $12,000 per year in operating and maintenance costs and a 12–14 week build schedule if expedited. Jim Spina, parks staff, reported three scale options, explained double-gate entries and separation of large and small-dog areas, and said materials were selected to be reusable for future relocation.

Council members questioned usage patterns and longevity for a temporary facility. One councilor asked whether the park would be used as a stand-alone amenity or integrated with other park activities; staff noted many nearby residents already travel outside town for dog-park access and that the parks master plan reflected public interest. Another councilor asked about the trade-off of spending for a temporary facility; staff replied much of the cost is recoverable through reuse and that the recommended mid-to-high option strikes a balance between amenities and budget.

The motion the council approved directed staff to move forward with development of a temporary municipal dog park on the Harris Depot Road/School Circle property at a project budget not to exceed $125,000 and to bring back any required budget ordinance amendment and final concept renderings for council consideration.

Council members emphasized staff should return with multiple refined options (A/B/C) and clearer seating and shade choices. The council did not appropriate final construction funding on the floor; staff will return with firm quotes, a recommended option based on council input, and any necessary budget amendments.

Next steps: staff will prepare revised concept drawings, itemized cost quotes, and a proposed budget amendment for an upcoming meeting so council can make a final appropriation decision.