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Board approves Lakewatch Dog Park MOU, allows fundraising to proceed
Summary
The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with Recreational Development of Franklin County (RDFC) to advance the Lakewatch Dog Park project; RDFC will fundraise and the county will own and later operate the park (estimated annual maintenance ~$13,600).
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 16 with Recreational Development of Franklin County (RDFC) to develop the Lakewatch Dog Park. Under the MOU the County remains the owner of the property at Lakewatch Center Drive; RDFC will serve as the lead fundraising and volunteer organization for park development and sponsor donor recognition work.
The draft MOU sets out roles and responsibilities: RDFC will coordinate donor recruitment, volunteer efforts and limited capital donations while the County will retain ownership, oversee site plans, perform required due diligence and provide ongoing maintenance and liability coverage. Staff included an early estimate of recurring county maintenance costs at roughly $13,600 annually; the MOU also contemplates a performance agreement and contingencies for donated structures and materials.
Why it matters: The agreement formalizes private fundraising to develop a community amenity while preserving county ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Board members said the MOU clears the way for RDFC to aggressively pursue fundraising, vendor bids and volunteer coordination.
Vote and next steps: The Board approved the MOU by recorded vote (6–1). Staff will use the authorization to finalize fundraising outreach, prepare park rules and proceed with permitting and site design.
