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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/3/2021 Item 4, McKenzie Delgado, Adriana From:John McKenzie < To:Advisory Bodies Cc:Avakian, Greg Subject:11/3/21 PRC Meeting - Dog Parks Attachments:Conceptual Plan Summary-10-21.pdf; Conceptual for Laguna Lake3.pdf This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. ________________________________ Dear Commissioners, We are very glad to see progress on the dog park front and hope you and your staff are able to proceed quickly on the enclosed dog park at Laguna Lake Park. We have attached a graphic and summary of our vision for this park. We have an opportunity here to make this park a 'destination signature park' and cater to a range of dog uses and activities. Highlights of the attachment include: providing separation between small and large dogs, creating a separate 'puppy play/training' area, splitting the large dog area into two areas to allow for continued regular use while also allowing for special events (or maintenance), sizing a portion of the large dog area to provide for agility course events,and providing all-weather surface to allow year-round use. A common shade structure with a small stage is proposed. Memorial walkways and circle are proposed to provide a place for people to go to remember/reflect upon their past canine companions. Other amenities are included in the attachments. We look forward to discussing our vision with you at your meeting next week. John McKenzie Friends of SLO City Dog Parks 1 Small Dog Large Dog Double Gate Entry Double Gate Entry Shade Structure Service Gates Memorial Walkways & Circle Dog Park Sign Dog Wash Area Conceptual Dog Park Design –Laguna Lake Park (not to scale) Storage shed Additional amenities not shown: Benches (6) Picnic bench and table under kiosk (4) Water tubs (2) Trash cans (8) Waste dispensers (8) Shrubs beneath trees Irrigation lines Portable Obstacle Course gear Groundcover (chips or grass) Safety lighting Maintenance tools Sculpture (at Memorial Circle) 100 feet Kiosk Large Dog 100’ x 100’ Agility Course New Parking New ParkingPuppy Area Interior Fence Stage 1 Laguna Lake Dog Park – Conceptual Design October 24, 2021 Background. About 15 years ago, a pilot program was started at Laguna Lake Park where dogs were allowed to go off-leash in a specified area. This included a couple of water spigots, and a few picnic tables and benches. The dog area is adjacent to a small parking area and a bathroom. A larger parking area exists near the lake. Other more recent dog area improvements include the installation of a few large boundary boulders and a ‘separation safety fence’ (helps keep dogs from darting out onto adjacent roadway). This is the only place within the City limits that dogs are allowed off-leash. While this has worked for a small group of dog owners, there is a much larger group of dog owners that would benefit from a fully-enclosed dog park to meet their dogs’ needs when off-leash. Based on 2020 population data and a 2017/18 national survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is estimated that the City currently has over 13,000 dogs. Master Plan Update. On July 6, 2021, the City approved its Parks and Recreation Master Plan, now referred to as the Blueprint of the Future, 2020 to 2040. At that time the Council further directed staff to find recreational projects that could be built quickly, including a dog park. The Blueprint recognized that more than one dog park could be supported within the City limits. It also recognized Laguna Lake Park as a large, underdeveloped park with an existing area for off-leash dogs that would be a good place to build an enclosed dog park. Conceptual Plan. Based on the above discussion, the attached graphic has located an enclosed dog park where the current dog area exists. The proposed area to be enclosed is approximately two acres. The main elements of the proposed two-acre enclosed dog park are as follows: Dog Separation Areas. The proposed design includes the following: a small separate enclosure for puppies is proposed along the north edge (near bathroom); an approximate 1/2-acre enclosure is proposed for small dogs (25 lbs or less); and the balance is proposed for the larger dogs. This large dog area would be further divided into two fenced areas. Having an ‘extra’ enclosed area will allow for occasional special events or classes to occur and still allow for general dog park use. The proposed size and separation will increase safety and reduce potential conflicts with big and small dogs and puppies. Fencing. Separation fencing should be sturdy and at least four feet high as measured from the ground. Permeability of fence should be small enough to not allow tennis balls to get through it. If the new fencing is a continuation of the existing (black chain link), there could be some cost-savings. Gates. All dog/people entry gates need to be ‘double gated’ to reduce escapes and allow for safe greetings from other dogs in the park. ‘Double gate’ design refers to the first gate leading to a fenced 6’ by 10’ concrete slab with a second gate on the opposite side that opens into the dog park. The ‘large dog’ enclosure should have at least two entry gates and the ‘small dog’ enclosure would need only one entry gate. Each enclosure should have a vehicle service gate to allow vehicle entry that will be needed from time to time. A single gate between the two large dog areas should be installed near the shade structure. Groundcover. An all-weather surface is needed to make the park useable year-round due to the underlying heavy clay soils. When wet, people and dogs get very muddy very quickly if left untreated. Further, the clay soil is very expansive, so if left untreated, large potentially dangerous cracks in the soil can be observed during the dry months. The economical groundcover option is wood chips. As the City does extensive tree maintenance on 100s of city trees, wood chips could be readily available at little or no cost. The more desirable but more costly option is turf. Turf costs include: ground preparation, irrigation installation and maintenance, turf, ongoing maintenance of turf (mowing/weeding/replanting). And turf requires water. This aspect would be offset if treated water were used for irrigation. 2 Landscaping. Internal landscaping, namely trees and large shrubs, is beneficial for two reasons – it provides natural boundaries and separation for those dogs that establish such mental boundaries, as well as landscaping provides shade. Care will need to be taken to avoid plants that are potentially problematic for dogs. Further, the type of all-weather groundcover selected will also determine the types of trees and shrubs used (e.g. if grass is used, water-loving trees and shrubs should be used). All internal trees and shrubs will need irrigation initially, as well as temporary fencing (protect from dogs), until they are well established. Trees at maturity and during growth (and any other perimeter/internal vegetation) should be able to withstand the presence of dogs. Other vegetation selection factors to consider: low water use, native, attractive, moderate to fast growing, low maintenance. The proposed conceptual design for the large dog enclosure has oriented landscaping in windrows to provide three distinct ½ acre units within the enclosure. To help offset tree acquisition/planting costs, a memorial plaque (for a specified donation [to City or non-profit]) could be offered to be placed in front of a tree. Windrows of trees (along with shrubs/ groundcover) could also be placed outside of the dog park along the outer fence perimeter. Shade Structure/Central Meeting Area. While San Luis Obispo usually enjoys idyllic weather, we occasionally have hot days and occasional rain. The current site has only 3 smaller trees, providing minimal relief/protection. The conceptual plan proposes a central ‘meeting’ location with a shade structure that straddles the small and big dog areas. This could be fenced from the dog areas (keeping dogs out) [recommended], or a fence could divide the meeting area (part within the small dog area and part within the large dog area) to allow the dogs to roam freely. It would include several picnic tables and benches within its footprint and probably all on a concrete slab. The shade structure would cover a substantial portion of this meeting area, and once installed provide immediate relief. Further, it is suggested a small, elevated area (act as a ‘stage’) be included in the design (to be used for special events). Building materials could consist of larger posts supporting a metal or wood/shingle roof. Due to constant afternoon winds, a wind wall could also be beneficial at this location. Costs could be offset from a donor/sponsor recognition program of this element. An area for a future BBQ could be included in the design. Any concrete work must consider the expansive clay soils. ADA Compliance - Memorial Walkway/Circle. In the spirit of ‘feeding two birds with one seed’, two ADA compliant walkways could be constructed with ‘memorial bricks’ (individual bricks with special words about a favorite dog). One memorial circle is also proposed in the big dog area that is connected to the walkway. This provides dog owners and sponsors a place (via a brick) to say a few words about their beloved canine companions. The circle would also include a central and perimeter focal points and benches. Local artists could be solicited to fill these focal points with dog-related art or poetry. The walkway/ circle portion could be a fundraising feature to help offset some of the dog park costs. As the life of the item receiving memorial plaques has limits, so too should the life of any such plaques. Storage shed. The proposed storage shed would primarily store tools, supplies and agility course equipment. This should be placed on a concrete slab (designed to withstand the expansive clay soils below). Construction options include reaching out to CalPoly and their Construction Management class (to design and build) and/or sponsored by a local hardware store. Kiosk. An angled Kiosk between the small and large dog entries would provide the following: dog park rules, upcoming events, sponsors, other dog-related information. This could be built by CalPoly Construction Management class or donated by sponsors/non-profits. Water Stations/Tubs. The small dog park should have at least one water station near the shade structure. The large dog area should have at least four drinking water stations (two near the shade structure). Nearby, water 3 tubs should be placed on well- draining platforms/concrete slabs. This could be built by CalPoly Construction Management class or donated by sponsors/non-profits. Dog Washing station. As certain on-site conditions can result in dirty dogs, a dog-rinsing station (water spigot next to well-draining concrete slab) should be available to reduce the amount of mud tracked into vehicles. This should be located immediately adjacent to the paved parking lot. This could be built by CalPoly Construction Management class or donated by sponsors/non-profits. Safety Lighting. As this will be a ‘dawn-to-dusk’ operation, night lighting would likely only be needed for safety and/or emergency needs. Special events may also require lighting. Electricity should at least be provided to the shade structure and shed. Benches. Durable benches would be placed on concrete slabs in multiple locations throughout the enclosed areas. This could be built by CalPoly Construction Management class or costs offset by sponsors/donors. Artists could assist in the design of some benches (e.g. bench book-ended with sitting dog silhouette). Utilities. Water lines will be needed for landscaping and dog water stations. If treated water will be used, both potable and non-potable lines should be installed at the same time, as applicable. Electricity will be needed at the storage shed, memorial circle (and walkways?), kiosk, shade structure, entry sign and parking areas. Waste Bags and receptacles/signage/other accessories. Waste dispenser bags and waste receptacles should be placed strategically throughout the enclosed areas. Dog Park Rule signs should be posted at each entry point. Bins for balls and other dog toys could be placed near the entrances near the bathrooms. A lost/found bin could also be centrally located. Agility Course/ Equipment. Most dogs do best when they are given ‘jobs’ to exercise their mental faculties. One such job is agility training. This is a great way to apply a dog’s physical and mental prowess. Should this be incorporated into the dog park design, a 100-foot by 100-foot area should be set aside/identified with no shrubs or trees. If permanent agility elements are proposed (e.g., tunnels, ladders, etc.), they should be located outside of the above identified 10,000 square foot area. Portable agility training equipment could be stored in the proposed shed. Costs could be offset by sponsors or donors. Parking. As the existing parking lot is usually full, as is the road leading up to the parking lot, additional parking is recommended, as shown on the attached graphic. Dog Art. To enhance the human experience at a dog park, local artists could be solicited to incorporate dog - related art within and around the dog park (e.g., design/install large metal dog silhouettes along fences, etc.). Outside Groups. Due to the low-tech nature of many of these elements, outside groups (e.g., CCC, CalPoly, Boy Scouts, etc.) and/or volunteer groups (e.g., Friends of SLO City Dog Parks, etc.) could be used to install or construct, as well as maintain. The City should actively develop a program/process to capitalize on these potential opportunities to help defray costs. It would also be helpful if project approval included provisions to allow for fundraising events to occur on-site by non-profit groups that are raising funds for dog park improvements. Conclusion. Most of the above items could be considered ‘add-ons’, where they are not essential to get a dog park up and running. The critical items needed to make the dog park functional include: Fencing, all-weather groundcover, dog water and waste bags and receptacles. All of the other items, while not essentially needed at the beginning, will substantially improve the quality of the dog/owner experience. Further, each of the ‘non’essential’ items can be added individually, or phases, over time as funds become available. 4 It is important that the design phase consider and/or allow for all of the above elements, so once approved, installation can be allowed in multiple phases. Further, it would be helpful to identify if there are certain elements that should be ‘roughed in’ early to avoid substantial disruption and/or extra costs later (such as roughing in irrigation/utility lines to minimize disruption of an active dog park). Having such an approved design will also facilitate fundraising efforts to be able to target/identify specific elements not yet installed. Further, such ‘full picture’ design approvals should help in securing any outside grants that may become available.