Parks director pitches Washoe Park dog park; commissioners press on flooding, maintenance

Parks & Recreation Director Joe Ungaretti told the County Commission the dog-park proposal has been discussed for about eight years and that staff have identified an area at the end of Washoe Park Road near the Maple Street bridge with an existing parking lot and natural shade. Ungaretti said he is researching fencing options and that the site can be configured to minimize the need for fill. "We have identified an area at the end of Washoe Park Road, near the Maple Street bridge. There is an existing parking lot that we will be able to expand, and the area is also shaded," he said.

Commissioners pressed staff on several practical points. Commissioner Ed Beaudette asked whether the site is prone to overflow from Warm Springs Creek; Ungaretti replied that culverts and ditches were considered and that most runoff would come from the high side of the site rather than the creek. Chairman Kevin Hart and CEO Bill Everett also said the park would provide an alternative to people exercising dogs on athletic fields and could ease enforcement burdens for Animal Control and Code Enforcement. Resident Colleen Riley, of 1906 Ogden St., spoke in favor: "Dog parks bring in people and dogs; it becomes a socializing place for both the people and the animals. I think it will be a great addition to what you are already enhancing in Washoe Park."

Next steps: the Commission placed the proposal on the agenda for further consideration; staff will refine plans, address flood-mitigation and maintenance questions, and return with cost estimates and fencing options.