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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-06 Park Board PacketcirY OF < !FRv 1i Vv rE. R S r�IssouRi U stream From ordinary. 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