Resident urges dog park plan; commissioners discuss fairgrounds and Amoco site alternatives

Community member Mara Ben David told commissioners she had surveyed residents and that most respondents selected 20 acres as the preferred size for a new dog park, and she asked the board whether county staff should continue work on a proposal for the south 20 acres of the fairgrounds. Mara said she has donors ready pending identification of a site and budget and that she had contacted BP about the Amoco site on the greenbelt; she said BP "responded, which was great" and characterized the company's response as positive while noting DEQ cleanup could delay use for roughly five years.

Commissioners and staff discussed practical questions including parking, conflicts with fairground events, temporary solutions and coordination with the fairgrounds program manager. Commissioner (S4) asked whether a temporary dog‑park layout could be used while pursuing the Amoco site; Mara said she would be open to a temporary placement at the fairgrounds and to moving the facility later. A motion to approve further work specifically to use the south 20 acres received no second and therefore did not advance; the board discussed next steps, including staff follow‑up with the fairgrounds manager and potential exploration of alternative sites.