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City awards parks sustainability contract to WRT; public voices urge quick dog‑park solutions
Summary
The commission approved awarding a parks sustainability management contract to WRT (selection was unanimous). Public comment focused on the closed Linda dog park: residents urged fast replacements, asked how use will be assessed, and requested the consultant consider fenced dog‑park designs. Staff said the study will include public outreach and surveys before drafting recommendations.
Staff reported that funds for a parks sustainability management plan were allocated in 24‑25 (carried forward) and that a three‑firm procurement yielded a unanimous recommendation for WRT; staff emphasized WRT’s local experience and inclusion of Bartlett Consulting and horticultural specialists. "WRT had a very sincere and compelling vision for our park system," staff said, noting the firm’s emphasis on public outreach.
Several members of the public urged quicker action on dog‑park replacements and questioned how the consultant will assess use. Betty told the commission she moved to Linda Ave to be near Beach Elementary and the dog park and said losing the enclosed dog park has affected morning community gatherings. "I really hope that you don't move forward with the decision to get rid of the only enclosed dog park that Piedmont has to offer," she said.
Garrett Keating pressed the consultants’ planned methods for vegetation and use assessment (walking surveys, satellite imagery, timing relative to current closures), and whether fences and different dog‑park designs (segregating large/small/different use patterns) will be included in the consultant’s toolkit. Mike Henn urged fast‑tracking a replacement at an alternate, level, fenced location and said the original dog park had been closed abruptly without public input. Staff answered that the study had not yet launched; it will include an online survey and pop‑up engagement in the early months and that public feedback will shape recommendations (staff did not promise an immediate replacement outside the study process).
The award was described as a planning contract to guide long‑term park management, not a final design decision for any single park, and staff said they will return with a schedule for public engagement.
