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Home My WebLink AboutD-1 Staff Report - Dog ParkSCHEDULED ITEM D-1 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VIA: DON PENMAN, INTERIM CITY MANAGER FROM: LOUIE F. LACASELLA, SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2018 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING CONSIDERATION OF CONSTRUCTING A DOG PARK SUMMARY: As directed by the City Council, Staff researched the pros, cons and costs associated with construction of a dog park within the City. Staff also researched construction guidelines from the City’s insurance provider, surveyed other dog parks at nearby cities and identified potential Dog Park locations within the City. The proposed action requests that the City Council discuss the concept of constructing a dog park and provide direction to Staff. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council take the following action: 1) Discuss and provide direction to Staff. DISCUSSION: Based on Staff’s research of dog parks, below please find a pros and cons analysis from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers: PROS CONS Socialization Advantages •Excellent source of socialization for both dogs and owners For People •Potential of danger from aggressive dogs •Potential of danger of physical injury from dog-related hazards •Potential of lawsuits arising from dog fights •Potential for parasites Physical and Mental Stimulation Advantages For Dogs APPROVED CITY COUNCIL 2/5/2018 Approved with direction Consideration of a Dog Park February 5, 2018 Page 3 • Excellent source of off-leash exercise for active dogs • Dog parks allow dogs to get adequate physical and mental exercise, thereby lessening destructive and annoying behaviors in general which can benefit society as a whole • Potential of danger from aggressive dogs • Dogs that are not spayed or neutered may create problems • Potential for parasites and disease • Potential for lack of impulse control and over-excitement • Not appropriate for small and large dogs at the same time/or site • Potential for injury Educational Advantages • Good opportunity for owners to learn about dogs through observation and provides the opportunity to learn from more experienced owners • Opportunity for well-mannered-dog advocates to demonstrate how they turned their dog into a well-mannered dog For the Community • Some people will not understand the concept and will abuse the park • Won’t pick up after their dog • May leave dog unattended • Allow their dog to indulge in inappropriate behavior • Potential for noise • Potential liability issues Community Advantages • Dog parks which are designed for dogs only, lessen the chance of owners letting their dogs off-leash in on-leash parks • No cars, rollerbladers, skateboarders, bikes, etc. likely to be encountered • More likely to encounter people who enjoy dogs • Could provide location for community dog activities Residential Impact • Some residential areas may be opposed to the idea of a dog park, due to noise, smell, etc. Source: The Association of Professional Dog Trainers In addition, to the pros and cons mentioned, below please find other elements that should be considered when constructing a dog park: • A separate fenced area for dogs under 20 lbs. • Depending on location, will the park be utilized by Azusa residents and unincorporated County residents and/or residents from nearby cities? Four ground cover construction options are available for the City Council to consider. The materials and labor is what varies depending on the ground cover desired. All options include: six (6) feet chain link fencing, pet waste stations, trash receptacles, benching and drinking fountain: Sod Turf Artificial Turf Natural Dirt Decomposed Granite Cost Estimate of Annual Maintenance* $45,000 $95,000 $25,000 $25,000 Cost Estimate for Construction** $328,400 $968,400 $198,400 $288,400 * Labor, materials and cost of utilities. ** Exact costing is site specific. However, estimate is based on 40,000 Square Feet. Consideration of a Dog Park February 5, 2018 Page 3 Sod and artificial turf are more visually appealing, while natural dirt and decomposed granite is considerably less expensive. Examples of required Staff maintenance would include: filling holes dug by dogs, cleaning restrooms (if a restroom is constructed), emptying trash cans, refilling dog waste bags, repairing damaged irrigation, turf maintenance (if turf is installed) and securing the park during after-hours. Other things to consider when estimating the cost of a dog park: • To include a restroom at the park would be an additional $225,000 in construction cost with $1,000 monthly maintenance. • Would the park be monitored by City Staff or a local non-profit or community group? Guidelines for Construction: The City’s insurance provider, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CALJPIA) has recommended guidelines for the design, construction and operation of dog parks to create a safe enjoyable park for the members of the community and to reduce the frequency and severity of claims. Such requirements include: • Fencing a minimum of six feet above grade. • The fencing should be chain link or wrought iron with spacing close enough to keep small dogs from escaping. • Fencing installed should divide the park into two distinct areas so that dogs may be separated based on weight. • The City should post signs notifying users of Dog Park rules. • The dog park should be visible from the street to enable observation by public safety personnel and Staff. Potential Dog Park Locations: • Newburgh Avenue – This option would require annual lease payments of $5,000.00 to the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. • 9th Street Basins in Rosedale – This option would require an agreement between the property owner and the City. The cost is not known at this time or if the property owner would be interested in such an agreement, or whether the HOA would require some other trade off. • Crescent Drive Railroad Property – City owned, however, lot configuration challenge. • Parceling off a portion of an existing City owned park (no specific site yet identified). Other Nearby City Dog Parks: 1. Central Bark Dog Park – City of West Covina • Half-acre dog park, located within a City owned park (Del Norte Park). • The park was paid for by Proposition A money. • The dog park is divided into two separate play areas – one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. Consideration of a Dog Park February 5, 2018 Page 3 • Rules for the dog park include limiting the number of dogs to three per person and requiring that the pets be spayed or neutered. • Excessive barking and aggressive dogs are not allowed. • Located on a grassy area. 2. San Dimas Dog Park – City of San Dimas • Located within a City owned park (Horsethief Canyon Park). • The park is open from dawn to dusk. • The one-acre dog park includes two separately fenced areas designated for large and small dogs. • Located on a grassy area. 3. Dog Park – City of Sierra Madre • Located within a City owned park (Sierra Vista Park). • This off leash area is open from dawn to dusk and offers a separately fenced section for small dogs. • Dogs must be healthy, sociable, current on all vaccinations and license with tags on collar, and under their owner's control at all times. • Owners must clean up after their pets, and keep them leashed when not in designated off- leash areas. 4. South Hills Park – City of Glendora • The park includes a dog park, a fitness track circling the entire park, a larger playground with new equipment and swings, restroom facilities, new barbecue pits and shade structures. 5. Arcadia Dog Park – City of Arcadia • The 3/4-acre property offers separate areas for small and large dogs. • Grassy area, adjacent to a City owned park; originally part of a City park. Suggested next steps for the City Council to consider, if the City Council is interested in pursuing a dog park within the City: • Refer this matter to the Recreation and Parks Commission for their input and recommendation. • Solicit community input on desirability of a dog park through surveys. The City could hire a public opinion research firm to determine if the community desires a dog park and which location would be best suited for the community. The survey could also include elements of the park most desired by the community (restrooms, ground cover, etc.). Perhaps this could be part of a larger community survey regarding recreational and park priorities. • Explore funding options during the budget process. Eligible funding could come from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds (but not until FY2019/20 as earlier year funds are already committed), County grants, Proposition A or general fund resources. • However, as part of this analysis, Staff assumed that only no or low costs sites would be explored, that the City would not pursue locations that would require acquisition of property. Consideration of a Dog Park February 5, 2018 Page 3 Based on Staff research of other cities, it appears that the most common approach is to convert a portion of an existing city park into a dog park. • Identify possible additional sites including parceling a portion of an existing city owned park. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved: Louie F. Lacasella Don Penman Senior Management Analyst Interim City Manager Attachments: 1) SOD Turf Estimate Cost Breakdown 2) Artificial Turf Estimate Cost Breakdown 3) Natural Dirt Estimate Cost Breakdown 4) Decomposed Granite Estimate Cost Breakdown 5) Potential Dog Park Locations LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Mobilization 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 2 Clearing, Grubbing, and Site Preparation 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Grading 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 4 Construct 4" Thick Sidewalk 2,400 SF $7.00 $16,800.00 5 6' High Black Chain Link Fencing 1,000 LF $20.00 $20,000.00 6 Pedestrian Gate (Single, Self-Closing)4 EA $1,700.00 $6,800.00 7 Maintenance Gate (Double)2 EA $2,000.00 $4,000.00 8 Drive Approach 2 EA $5,000.00 $10,000.00 9 Pet Waste Station 4 EA $400.00 $1,600.00 10 Trash Receptacle 6 EA $1,500.00 $9,000.00 11 Bench 10 EA $2,000.00 $20,000.00 12 Drinking Fountain with Pet Fountain 2 EA $7,000.00 $14,000.00 13 Water Service 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 14 Ground Cover: Sod Turf 40,000 SF $1.00 $40,000.00 15 Irrigation 40,000 SF $3.00 $120,000.00 16 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 17 Tower Anti-Climbing Device 1 LS $3,200.00 $3,200.00 18 Shade Sail 8 EA $1,000.00 $8,000.00 TOTAL:$328,400.00 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 2 Materials 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Labor 1 LS $25,000.00 $25,000.00 TOTAL:$45,000.00 "RUFF" COST ESTIMATE: SOD TURF OPTION DOG PARK ANNUAL MAINTENANCE Attachment 1 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Mobilization 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 2 Clearing, Grubbing, and Site Preparation 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Grading 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 4 Construct 4" Thick Sidewalk 2,400 SF $7.00 $16,800.00 5 6' High Black Chain Link Fencing 1,000 LF $20.00 $20,000.00 6 Pedestrian Gate (Single, Self-Closing)4 EA $1,700.00 $6,800.00 7 Maintenance Gate (Double)2 EA $2,000.00 $4,000.00 8 Drive Approach 2 EA $5,000.00 $10,000.00 9 Pet Waste Station 4 EA $400.00 $1,600.00 10 Trash Receptacle 6 EA $1,500.00 $9,000.00 11 Bench 10 EA $2,000.00 $20,000.00 12 Drinking Fountain with Pet Fountain 2 EA $7,000.00 $14,000.00 13 Water Service 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 14 Ground Cover: Artificial Turf 40,000 SF $20.00 $800,000.00 15 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 16 Tower Anti-Climbing Device 1 LS $3,200.00 $3,200.00 17 Shade Sail 8 EA $1,000.00 $8,000.00 TOTAL:$968,400.00 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 2 Materials 1 LS $40,000.00 $40,000.00 3 Labor 1 LS $50,000.00 $50,000.00 TOTAL:$95,000.00 DOG PARK "RUFF" COST ESTIMATE: ARTIFICAL TURF OPTION ANNUAL MAINTENANCE Attachment 2 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Mobilization 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 2 Clearing, Grubbing, and Site Preparation 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Grading 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 4 Construct 4" Thick Sidewalk 2,400 SF $7.00 $16,800.00 5 6' High Black Chain Link Fencing 1,000 LF $20.00 $20,000.00 6 Pedestrian Gate (Single, Self-Closing)4 EA $1,700.00 $6,800.00 7 Maintenance Gate (Double)2 EA $2,000.00 $4,000.00 8 Drive Approach 2 EA $5,000.00 $10,000.00 9 Pet Waste Station 4 EA $400.00 $1,600.00 10 Trash Receptacle 6 EA $1,500.00 $9,000.00 11 Bench 10 EA $2,000.00 $20,000.00 12 Drinking Fountain with Pet Fountain 2 EA $7,000.00 $14,000.00 13 Water Service 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 14 Ground Cover: Natural Dirt 40,000 SF $0.75 $30,000.00 15 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 16 Tower Anti-Climbing Device 1 LS $3,200.00 $3,200.00 17 Shade Sail 8 EA $1,000.00 $8,000.00 TOTAL:$198,400.00 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 2 Materials 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 3 Labor 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 TOTAL:$25,000.00 DOG PARK "RUFF" COST ESTIMATE: NATURAL DIRT OPTION ANNUAL MAINTENANCE Attachment 3 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Mobilization 1 LS $10,000.00 $10,000.00 2 Clearing, Grubbing, and Site Preparation 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 3 Grading 1 LS $20,000.00 $20,000.00 4 Construct 4" Thick Sidewalk 2,400 SF $7.00 $16,800.00 5 6' High Black Chain Link Fencing 1,000 LF $20.00 $20,000.00 6 Pedestrian Gate (Single, Self-Closing)4 EA $1,700.00 $6,800.00 7 Maintenance Gate (Double)2 EA $2,000.00 $4,000.00 8 Drive Approach 2 EA $5,000.00 $10,000.00 9 Pet Waste Station 4 EA $400.00 $1,600.00 10 Trash Receptacle 6 EA $1,500.00 $9,000.00 11 Bench 10 EA $2,000.00 $20,000.00 12 Drinking Fountain with Pet Fountain 2 EA $7,000.00 $14,000.00 13 Water Service 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 14 Ground Cover: Decomposed Granite 40,000 SF $3.00 $120,000.00 15 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 16 Tower Anti-Climbing Device 1 LS $3,200.00 $3,200.00 17 Shade Sail 8 EA $1,000.00 $8,000.00 TOTAL:$288,400.00 LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT COST TOTAL 1 Property Lease 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 2 Materials 1 LS $5,000.00 $5,000.00 3 Labor 1 LS $15,000.00 $15,000.00 TOTAL:$25,000.00 DOG PARK "RUFF" COST ESTIMATE: DECOMPOSED GRANITE OPTION ANNUAL MAINTENANCE Attachment 4 City of Azusa City of AzusaNEWBURGH STREET DOG PARK Vincent AveNewburgh St Clydebank AveLEGEND Proposed Dog Park (40,000 Square Feet) Attachment 5 NINTH STREET DOG PARK (ROSEDALE) Ninth St Azusa Veterans Way Rosedale Ave LEGEND Proposed Dog Park (35,000 SF) The Promenade Citrus Ave Palm Dr A B CRE SCE NT STRE ET DO G PARK Vernon AveCrescent StOrange AveAngeleno AveMcKeever AveLEGEN D Proposed Dog Park(A: 55,660 SF)(B: 36,211 SF) A B POTENTIAL DOG PARK LOCATIONS Azusa AveLEGEND Proposed Dog Park Citrus AveTodd AveGladstone St Foothill Blvd Vernon Ave9th St Azusa City Limits Arrow Hwy