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PARS{ BOARD M
RIVERSIDE CITY HALL
2950 NW VIVION ROAD
R IVERSIDE, M ISSOLIM 641
TENTATIVE AGENDA
APRIL. 6 ,2011
P.m.
I. Call to order
2. Roll call
I Dog Park Proposal
4. 2011 -2012 Projects Discussion
5 . Adjournment
Meredith Hauck
Director of Community Relations
ATTEST:
Posted 03/29/201' a 10:30 a.m.
The purpose of this position paper is to clarify the needs of responsible dog owners for access to public
open space, to improve the understanding of the benefits of such access, and to recommend ordinance
changes that reflect principles that accommodate responsible dog ownership.
1 11 1 to 11 41 1PES
Watching your dog interact with other canines can turn an afternoon into a fascinating lesson in pack
behavior. The best place for this interaction is a "dog park." These parks are fenced areas set aside for
dogs to meet and play under the watchful eyes of their owners.
With more and more municipal parks prohibiting dogs off leash, it becomes more difficult to find a place
where your dog can stretch its legs canine style. Dog parks solve this problem.
Proposal for Dog Park in
Riverside, MO
NOVEMBER 2010
Prepared by:
Stephanie Garcia
914 NW Valley Lane
Riverside, MO 64150
(819)885 -6873
PURPOSE
The purpose of off the lease fenced in Dog Park is for access to public open space, to improve the
understanding of the benefits of such access, and to recommend ordinance changes that reflect principles that
accommodate responsible dog ownership.
OVERVIEW
The public open space management environment has changed dramatically in the last twenty years.
The range of recreational activities in which people are engaged has expanded while budgets and
resources have contracted. At the same time, conflict in public parks appears to have increased
although not necessarily because of a higher incidence of problems. Dog owners have not been immune
from these changes. Increased restrictions are being placed on their use of public open space.
The benefits of pet ownership are becoming clearer as more studies and case histories become available.
Pets are now being recognized for their physical and mental health benefits, for their role as companions
and social facilitators, and in helping children learn responsibility. (Annual Review of Public Health, 1996
Psychological Reports, 1996). For many single and elderly people a dog not only provides companionship
but often is the only source of home and personal security. Beyond this, dogs play a vital role working in
society in numerous ways such as assisting the handicapped and working for the military, police
departments, and search and rescue teams.
Doe Ownerships
Why Dogs Need Access to Open Space
The benefits of allowing dog's access to public open space are not self - evident and warrant closer
examination. It is important to understand that they apply not only to dogs and their owners but also
to the wider community as well as to those responsible for urban animal management.
The most obvious reason why dogs need access to public open space is because of their popularity.
Dog owners are a substantial group of park users. Example our Community has given special
consideration to our skateboarders, in view of their unique park needs. The numbers of dogs and dog
owners would seem to warrant specific consideration for them as well.
The second reason has to do with the link between open space for dogs and promoting acceptable
behavior from dogs. Dogs need to be properly socialized in appropriate behavior (Canine Behavior, 1965).
They also need regular outings to reduce boredom and pent -up energy at home. Access to a park close to
home is the safest and most effective way to ensure that owners socialize their dogs and provide them with
on -going experiences in the outside world. This not only benefits the dog and its owner but also neighbors
who are affected by unacceptable behavior at home, other park and street users, and authorities
responsible for urban animal management.
The third reason why dogs need access to public open space is for the positive effects it can have on
their owners. Owning a dog encourages people to exercise and visit their local park. Taking a dog out
has also been found to stimulate social interaction with other people (Journal of Nutrition and the
Elderly, 1996).
The final reason is that a balanced approach to accommodating dog owners in public open space may
achieve higher levels of compliance by dog owners with relevant laws. What a wonderful way to get to
know our fellow neighbors in the Riverside Community.
Dogs in the Community
The off -leash areas are typically governed by posted regulations such as:
- Dogs shall be under voice control
- Owners or custodians shall carry a leash
- Aggressive dogs are not allowed and /or must be leashed
- Dogs shall not dig or disturb park resources
- Feces shall be immediately removed.
GOOD MANNERS: TIPS FOR DOG
PARK ENTHUSIASTS
... Keep a buckle collar and tags on your dog before releasing it into enclosure.
... Bring fresh water and a drinking bowl.
... Take along plastic dog -doo bags and pick up after your dog.
... Bring some old towels to cover the car seat after the park.
Enjoy!
Missouri Riverfront Trail
High
Not Started
Need to complete section between levee access point
$70,000
at Argosy and EH Young Park. Riverside pays for
maintenance.
Upper Line Creek Trail Connector
High
In Progress
Trail connection from Homestead Park to North City
2010 -2011 CIP
Limit (joint project with KCMO)
Line Creek Trail Connector
High
In Progress
1 mile of trail connecting EH Young Park to Renner
2010 -2011 CIP
Brenner
Jumping Branch Trail
High
3,800 linear feet from Renner Brenner to Gatewoods
2010 -2011 CIP
Area along Jumping Branch
Missouri Riverfront Trail Emergency Call
Medium
On Hold
Outcome of Trail Safety Committee. Waiting for radio
$30,000
Boxes w/ Video
tower to be complete in 2012
Missouri Riverfront Trail Parkville
Low
In Progress
Link along 9 highway. Staff working with Platte County
2011 -2012 CIP
Connection
and Parkville
Renner Brenner Park Upgrades Medium New light fixtures and new historical signs
EH Young Park Renovation and Master Plan Medium New park configuration available after road closure in
2010. (Other upgrades needed: fence painting, water
access, wider trails for events)
Upgrade EH Young Playground Equipment Medium $100,000
Baseball Fields Medium Recreation Complex in out years of CIP CIP
Renner Brenner Skateboard Park Low Vandalism concerns. Security system installed in park
Improvements Summer /Fall 2009.
Homestead Park Shelter House /Picnic Area Low
Football and Soccer Fields Low Recreation Complex in out years of CIP CIP
Development of Pocket Parks Low Indian Hills and High Drive; High Drive Terrace -
Youth Athletic Programs
Low
In Progress
Partnership with YMCA —Youth Basketball and Swim
-
Lessons
Rain Gardens / Rain Barrels
Low
Will address as part of Mayor's Sustainability
-
Committee
Input into Streetscape Master Plan
High
In Progress
Streetscape Program on Hold per BOA
CIP
Bus Stop Benches and Shelters
Low
On Hold
KCATA will not put them in town — City can pay for
$10,000 each
them but design must be approved by KCATA
Improved Facility Reservation System
Low
Recreation Department Priority for FY11
-
Parks and Recreation ETC Survey
Low
$10,000 to do stand alone survey.
-
Master Way - Finding Plan
Staff
Create a city -wide signage plan
recommendation
. I .
Volunteer Park Ranger Program
Low
Volunteers in Police Service program addressing
-
similar need.
Repair Stream Corridors
Low
Develop Stream Team and create Stream Setback
Ordinance
Dog Park
Low
Board of Aldermen request — looked at space in EH
-
Young Park and determined not viable.
EH Young Boat Ramp
Low
Request from Platte County Parks and Rec — No plans
-
at time.
EH Young Baseball Field Lighting
Low
Board felt project should not be pursued and put
-
efforts into developing new fields. $199,000 estimate
in July 2007
RC Track
Low
Resident request in July 2008 — not currently
-
considering due to liability and cost
Line Creek Trail (Middle)
Complete
FY 2010
Extension of West Platte Trail segment constructed by
$40,000
Briarcliff — begin at trailhead at West Platte and
(interurban
Riverway and extend northward to cul -de -sac at St.
bridge railing —
Joe Blvd.
FY09 budget)
Community Center Improvements
Complete
FY 2010
Addressed issues of fitness equipment through
-
Healthy Citizens Initiative
Homestead Park Water Fountain
Complete
FY 2010
Water Capped due to vandalism in past. Reinstalled in
-
Spring 2010
Missouri Riverfront Trail Emergency Call
Complete
FY 2010
One call box installed in Spring 2010
$15,000
Boxes
Bike Racks at Parks
Complete
FY 2010
One at each park — maybe use Vo -Tech program?
$4,500
$1,500 each +s /h to match Welcome Plaza
Renner Brenner Physical Barrier
Complete
FY 2010
Done as part of trail improvements
$10,000
EH Young Parking Lot Maintenance
Complete
FY 2010
Sealing and re- striping parking lot
$11,000
Renner Brenner Shelter Replacement and
Complete in
New playground equipment, new shelter houses,
$350,000
Park Upgrades
Summer 2011
trash /recycling cans, grills, and parking lot /trail /ADA
improvements
Linear Park Trail
Complete
FY 2011
-
Updated 03/29/2011