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Dog park closed after Elks Lodge flags liability; city weighing options
Summary
City manager said the dog park adjacent to Elks Lodge was closed after the Lodge expressed liability concerns; staff is exploring options including reducing the park's footprint, transferring the 15‑foot parcel to the city, or reopening under new protections and will update messaging to the public.
City staff announced an abrupt closure of the dog park that used a 15‑foot strip of property owned or controlled by a local Elks Lodge. The manager said the original agreement that allowed public use had expired and lodge leadership, concerned about potential liability, requested closure until protections or a new arrangement could be found.
"They were very concerned with the nature of a claim that could occur at a site like this," the manager said, noting staff is evaluating options such as acquiring the strip, altering the park's footprint or drafting terms that would indemnify the Lodge. Commissioners asked staff to report back with a status update and clarified they want improved public messaging so neighbors are not surprised by closures.
The manager also noted the park's immediate closure stemmed from the Lodge’s short timeline for addressing its legal exposure; staff will evaluate whether a smaller park configuration or formal transfer of the parcel is feasible. Public works and legal teams will coordinate a path forward and return with options.
