TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Parks |
Loreen Hamilton |
425-556-2107 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Parks |
Dave Tuchek |
Deputy Director |
|
Parks |
Cameron Zapata |
Senior Planner |
|
Parks |
Darcey Rayner-Shepard |
Park Operations Supervisor |
|
Parks |
Meg Angevine |
Park Operations Supervisor |
|
Parks |
Caroline Chapman |
Parks Planning Manager |
TITLE:
title
2024 Plan of Demonstration Dog Park & Community Garden Expansion
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Staff is working to build on the success of the Demonstration Dog Park at Luke McRedmond Park and the expansion of community garden plots at Juel Park in 2023.
Based on community feedback collected during the Spring and Summer of 2023; an off-leash dog area will return to Luke McRedmond Park and a second pop-up off leash area will be developed at Hartman Park (if feasible). The expansion to Hartman will help assess potential demand and sites outside of the downtown core. These spaces will be open from April to October.
Staff is also evaluating two spaces in the downtown (Edge Skate Park and along the RCC Trail) that could accommodate community garden space, with a goal of opening in Q2 or Q3 of 2024.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Adopted PARCC Plan identifies an off-leash area in the downtown as a near term project, with a permanent facility planned for the mid-term. The PARCC Plan also identifies additional community garden space as a priority amenity within the park system.
2023/2024 Budget includes $102,000 for the implementation of a Demonstration Dog Park and $77,500 for expanded community gardens.
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
Council Retreat Action Items
• Other Key Facts:
The 2023 off-leash dog area was supported by 82% of questionnaire respondents.
OUTCOMES:
Development of Two Demonstration Dog Parks
The area is expected to be operational for approximately 6 months before being decommissioned and evaluated. The off-leash area will follow park rules and hours of operation, will provide educational information for the community about the demonstration project, and be included in the Maintenance and Operations staff workplan for its development and operations.
Expansion of Community Gardens in Urban Core
Park operations staff will work to plan, build, and open additional community garden plots in Q2 or Q3 2024. The downtown urban core is being prioritized for locating additional garden plots.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Spring 2024: Community outreach via city channels and on-site signage.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Planned for duration of operations: Staff will utilize the city’s customer relationship management software, QAlert, to track and evaluate feedback on the off-leash area from community members.
Online questionnaire will be open throughout the run of the off-leash area to gather more robust feedback on considerations and concerns regarding the area.
• Feedback Summary:
Both projects will have a communication plan to inform the community about the new facilities and provide ways to give feedback.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$102,000 is budgeted for the implementation, operations, and evaluation of a Demonstration Dog Park in the 2023/24 budget. To date, approximately $35,000 or 34% of the budget has been spent.
$77,500 was budgeted for the implementation and operations of expanded community gardens in the 2023/24 budget. To date, approximately $42,000 or 54% of the budget has been spent.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000115
Budget Priority:
Healthy & Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
2/28/2023 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Implementation is needed by 2024 to utilize the budget that was allocated for these projects.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Dog Park and Community Gardens Info Sheet
B. Off-Leash Dog Area Questionnaire Results