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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.C. Off-Leash Dog Area Request < - ~c. -- CITY OF SHAKOPEE MEMORANDUM To: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board From: Mark Themig Meeting Date: September 27,2004 Subject: Off-Leash Dog Area Request INTRODUCTION Shako pee residents Lenny and Rebecca Klevan Schmitz have submitted a request for the city to consider creating an off-leash dog area. The Advisory Board is asked to provide direction to staff. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION Off-leash dog areas are becoming more prevalent throughout the metropolitan area. Typically, these were being provided by counties. For example, Three Rivers Park District has had off-leash areas in operation for over 20 years, and Ramsey County created off-leash areas in the 1990's. However, cities have started to offer off-leash opportunities for their residents over the past few years. Even though city ordinance prohibits dogs off-leash in parks, we currently have many residents that use our park areas illegally as off-leash areas. You can frequently find off- leash dogs in Lions Park, the Community Center complex, and the 17th Avenue sports complex. Off-leash areas provide pets and their owners the opportunity to legally exercise and socialize. I've attached introductory information on off-leash areas for your review. A group called ROMP (Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets), a leader in assisting local governments with creating off-leash areas as well as educating pet owners on their responsibilities, provides helpful information on their web site. I've also included information from Ramsey County and Dakota County. I had the opportunity to lead the creation of off-leash areas while employed with the Ramsey County Park system. The primary reason their effort was successful and they have expanded the number of off-leash area was that residents were involved in the process from the beginning, and helped to not only raise funds and assist with site development, but ensure that the sites operated safely by providing their own "self- policing" . REQUESTED ACTION The Advisory Board is asked to consider whether or not you would like to add off-leash areas as part of the services we provide. If you choose to do so, you should direct staff to research whether or not off-leash dog areas could be provided in Shakopee. This could include such things as: . Identifying potential sites. . Developing cost estimates for creating the sites, operational concepts, and operating costs. . Forming a citizen group to assist in the evaluation and planning process. > Mr. Mark Themig, On Behalf of me and my wife I would like to express our desire to have an off- leash dog area in Shakopee to allow our pet to run without the constraints of a leash, interact with other K-9's and comply with the ordinances of the City. As you know several communities within the metropolitan area have created off- leash dog areas to accommodate those who like to exercise their dogs in park. One reason we visit the local park in our neighborhood to walk our dog several times throughout the day is we live in a town home and do not have a yard large enough to accommodate our dog. Off-leash dog areas are not only a place for dogs and their owners to go and exercise but they also provide a place for animals and their owners to socialized and build a stronger community. We envision a natural area designated as an off-leash area, a few garbage cans, somesignage, a portable restroom for visitors and storage containers for plastic bags so we can pick up after our dogs. Thank you for your time and consideration, Lenny and Rebecca Klevan Schmitz 1996 Parkway Ave. Shakopee, MN 55379 . Off Leash Dog Areas, Twin Cities Metropolitan Area An Off-Leash Area is an area where dog owners may bring their pets to run free and interact with other dogs within an enclosed or secluded area. Range in Size from >1 acre to 25+ acres. Current Off Leash Dog Areas: . Burnsville (1) . Dakota County (1) (Opened Aug 2004) . Plymouth (1) . Three Rivers Park District(4) o . Cleary Lake Regional Park OLDA had an estimated 18,000 visits in 2003 . Rosemount (1) . Ramsey County (3) . St. Paul (1) . Minneapolis (4) . Bloomington (1) . St. Louis Park (1) (Opened Fall 2004) Purpose of an Off-Leash Dog Area: Communities have created off leash dog areas for several reasons including: -Provide a designated space for people to take dogs to be off leash. -Less enforcement issues at other park locations with dogs being off leash. -Provides dog owners with a space to take "Ownership of' which provides self policing among users. Off Leash Dog Areas in the .. Seven-County Metropolitan Area 'II: . O'f.Le.uJl Do" Ar.'" C..pprox.loodkln) _ F~der..IM.n'8.dAI.'" i~)l P.1k Renrves EEl Rel/ilon.l.ndCounlyP.rks .. Speola' Reor.ilil'lln Feolltu,u ~ SUteM.n.!lgedAre,H . . .+, .. Dakota . t ~. .. Prrprild by th. o~t. CGu(/tyOfm~o'PI.,lnr1. 2()(Jf '. Offleash Dog Parks Who unlea :~ 009 'Parl:s off-leash n Dog Park Information in the Tw ~OMP \Z.egistr1Ht arec Visit the many Twin Cities off-leash sites to see happy dogs run and sniff, /l.F:f \?usifH.!Js savoring the camaraderie of their human and canine companions! Dil'tdcl1:'1 Safety First! Click here for helpful tip-s and safety information Mtmb ersnipl DOt\3HoflS News ~ event!, Votuntur Il1fo 009 'ParI(. ROMP efforts t'roduGts Twin Cities do unparalleled a I\bout \'?OMl' legal off-leash We are amon~ iribuhs metropolitan a US for dog pal accessibility! l\OMe ROMP contim with citizens a governments 1 new off-leash opportunities ( provide public and stewardst support these Twin Cities Off-leash Parks Ramsey County (Woodview, Rice Creek,Battle Creek, Otter Lake) St. Paul (Arlingtonl Arkwright) Minneapolis (Columbia Park, Franklin Terrace, Lake of the Isles Park, Minnehaha Park) Bloomington Burnsville Dakota County Plymouth (Egan Park) '"r.,."..,....; Three Rivers Park District (Elm Creek. Cleary lake, lake Sarah, Crow-Hassan) Rosemount (Schwartz Pond) "," St. Louis Park f" http://www.dogromp.com/parks.htm 9/24/2004 Offleash Dog Parks Page 20f5 Anoka: CD Hennepin .0 Carv." e .. Scott Dakota Ramsey County - (more info) 1) Woodview (Roseville) Located off Larpenteur Avenue, just east of Dale Street. Access gate to main off-leash area is about 100 yards down the bike trail. The wetland is off-limits, but not fenced. Dog owners who cannot keep dogs from the water should use the Arlington/Arkwright off-leash site in St Paul, located less than 10 minutes from Woodview. A very small separate fenced area for Small Dogs and access for Disabled is located immediately adjacent to the parking lot. Small Dog Playtimes are Tuesday 6-7pm and Saturday 10-11am Daily sunrise-sunset No permit required. 2) Rice Creek (Shoreview) Located just south of County Road J on Lexington Avenue Daily sunrise-sunset 12 acres, not fenced, tables, parking, trash cans, f1atwith prairie vegetation, small pond. No permit required. 3) Battle Creek (Maplewood) Located near Lower Afton and McKnight Rd Daily sunrise-sunset 12 acres, partially fenced, tables, parking, trash cans. No permit required 19) Otter Lake (White Bear Township) Opening October 2004? Partially fenced 10+ acres of rolling hills with both wooded and open prairie vegetation. A separate fully fenced Small Dog Area is also planned for this site. Fundraising efforts are currently underway. Please consider ma~i!,g a tax~deductible donation. Go to News and Events for more information http://www.dogromp.com/parks.htm, . 9/24/2004 ">,-,...,.c,..............<.:'....,.k;.,,., ........'_.._..., '. ',-, ~ Offleash Dog Parks Page 3 of5 back St paul- (more info) 4) Arlington/Arkwright Off-Leash Dog Area (ArIArk) Sunrise to 9:00pm Located on the corner of Arlington Ave and ArkwrightStreet. Approximately 4.5 acres fully fenced, this long rectangle of park land includes wooded trails, open space and a large bowl-shaped slope. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, this park offers people and pets an opportunity to engage in social interaction and play back Minneapolis - (more info) Note: All Mips. sites require a permit. Maps and Permit info (you need Adobe Acrobat to view and download) 5) Columbia Park St. Anthony Parkway off Central Avenue Daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Approximately 2 acres, double-gated entry at the east and west ends of the park, fully fenced, parking, disposal bag dispensers, bench..Careful, gaps in the maintenance gates are big enough for little dogs to escape through! 6) Franklin Terrace Franklin Terrace and 30th Avenue S. Daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. 2.6 acres, fully fenced, double-gated entry at the east and west ends of the site, disposal bag dispensers, bench, on-street parking. 7) Lake of the Isles Park Lake of the Isles Parkway and W. 28th Street Daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. 2.6 acres, fully fenced, two double-gated entry vestibules at the northern end of the site, lighted at the southern end, disposal bag dispensers, benches. 8) Minnehaha Park Minnehaha Avenue and E. 54th Street Daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Approximately 4.2 acres along the Mississippi River, partially fenced, disposal bag dispensers, lighted parking area, Portajohn in parking area. back 9) Bloomington - (more info) The dog park is located at 111th and Nesbitt Daily hours: dawn-10 p.m. Approximately 25 acres, partially fenced, tables, disposal bags, trees, parking, trash cans, swimming hole available. Access for the disabled. 10) Burnsville - (more info) 1200 Alimagnet Pkwy Daily 5 a.m.-10 p.m. 7 acres, fenced, benches, tables, disposal bags, trees, water, phones, restrooms, parking, trash cans, pond, wooded areas, open field, mowed prairie grass trail, double-gated entrance. A permit is required; phone the Recreation Department at (952) 895-4500. 18) Dakota County (more info) Permit required. Hours: 5am-10pm. Located right in the middle of Dakota htto://www.dogromo.com/parks.htm 9/24/2004 Offleash Dog Parks Page 4 of5 County near Coates, on Blaine Avenue south of County Road 46 (16oth Street E). The 16 acre fenced site has both wooded and open space with a walking trail loop. There is no surface water. Parking, portable toilets, tables, bag dispensers and waste containers are available on site. Be sure to bring drinking water for your dog! back Plymouth - (more info) 11) Egan Park, 17105 Co. Rd. 47. The park is located in northwest Plymouth on the south side of Co. Rd. 47 about two blocks west of Dunkirk Ln. The park includes a mowed open play area as well as two mowed trails. The 10-acre off leash dog area is not fenced, but native plants have been allowed to grow to create natural barriers to discourage dogs from straying off the property. The mowed trails and large play area also encourage dogs to stay in certain areas. Because water currently is not available at the park, owners should bring water with them for their dogs. Future development in the park may include a watering pond. Owners should also bring plastic bags to clean up after their pets. Pet owners are encouraged to bring extra plastic bags to donate for others to use. Trash containers are provided at the site. back Three Rivers Parks District - (more info) A 12-month pet exercise area permit is available from the Park District Administrative Center, Cleary Lake Visitor Center, or Eastman Nature Center (fee: $25/year; Park Patron annual parking permit also required). A daily fee option is available via drop box at all four sites. The daily pet exercise area fee is $4, and normal parking fees also apply. Envelopes at each drop box will indicate the required fees and will include a Use Agreement, which must be signed. 12) Elm Creek (Dayton) Daily 5 a.m.-sunset Fenced, tables, trees, parking, restrooms, trash cans. Over 30 acres with mowed trail through area. 13) Cleary Lake (Prior Lake) Daily 5 a.m.-sunset 35 acres with pond, fenced, tables, parking, restrooms, trash cans. Trails are mowed in summer, packed in winter 14) Lake Sarah (Rockford) Daily 5 a.m.-sunset Trees, parking, restrooms, trash cans. Over 30 acres with mowed parking area. Use is by permit only; 15) Crow-Hassan (Rogers) Daily 5 a.m.-sunset Not fenced, tables, trees, parking, restrooms, trash cans. Over 30 acres with a mowed trail through the area. back Rosemount htt ://www.do rom .comlparks.htm 9/24/2004 Offleash Dog Parks Page 5 of5 16) Schwartz Pond Located at 13787 Dodd Blvd. County Road 42, north on Hwy 3 to Dodd Blvd and park is on the left. back 17) St. Louis Park (more info) Permit required. http://www.stlouispark.org/PermitsForms/20040ff- LeashApp.pdfThis fenced 1.5 acre interim site is located at the Bass Lake Preserve on West 36th Street and Belt Line Boulevard (east of the tennis courts). Bring drinking water for your dog! back ROMP 1563 Como Avenue, St Paul,.MN 55108651-776-0307 info@dogromp., c http://www.dogromp.com/parks.htm 9/24/2004 Tips and Safety Information Page 1 of2 009 ?at'~s. Helpful Tips and Safety '[tOM? \l.e9ia.trtt~ Safety Information A.\<.f f>USiM.Mi tlil'tdor"l Make your first visit without your dog. Familiarize yourself with how the area works and its posted rules. Mtmb er$bi~1 OllrtatiOtl$ Know your dog. Not all dogs like meeting new dogs. If your dog has not regularly interacted Ntws & eve.nts with other dogs, find out how he will react before forcing him to meet lots of unfamiliar dogs. Invite a few mellow dogs over to your friend's big yard to play. Check for obedience schools that offer socialization classes for adult dogs. Be Volunher Info sure to socialize puppies (8-16 weeks of age) at a puppy kindergarten class. Typical Early socialization is one of the most important things you will ever do for your (Be sure to rt Dog ?:n'~ dog! boards at yo Yroduds obtain any PI The first few times you take your dog to a site, choose may be re About ~OMl' a time that is not busy. Clean up after Weekday evenings are peak times. Weekends and holidays tend to be busy all TributtS day long. The first visit can be a little stressful for both you and your dog, so Dogs must be I keep it short and happy. Gradually work your way to longer visits. vaccinated and and at least 4 r l\OMt: Observe the posted park rules. Dogs must be I Complaints about you or your dog threaten the success of these sites. control at all tll Remember, dogs must be leashed upon entering and leaving the off-leash area. Please know and follow the rules! Dog handlers n supervise their within view. Let your dog off leash as soon as you arrive at the site. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs can be an explosive situation. Leashed Dog handlers n dogs, and their humans, often display body language and behavior that is leash In hand c threatening to the free dogs and may provoke them to counter-defend. Aggressive bel" permitted. Keep walking. Walking defuses defensive behaviors and keeps the off-leash area a neutral Children must territory. This means your dog is more likely to pass by another dog with just a supervised by i sniff-sniff rather than a stare-down. Avoid the temptation to stand around and Maximum three chat or sit down at the tables. When people stand around, the dogs may handler. become protective of their people and their space, making scuffles more likely to occure. Leash dogs wh and exiting the Be aware that dogs have different play styles. Handlers are rE Educate yourself about dog behavior. Behavior that concerns some dog for any damagl owners may simply be a rambunctious play style. Always respect another dog inflicted by the owner's wishes if they are not comfortable with how your dog is interacting with theirs. Simply move to another part of the park for awhile. Leash up and leave Dogs In heat al if your dog is acting in an aggressive manner or having a bad day. Prevent injuries. Closely supervise your dog. Do not reach in to break up fighting dogs. Instead, http://www.dogromp.com/tips.htm 9/24/2004 Tips and Safety Information Page 2 of2 squirt the dogs in the face with your water bottle or distract the dogs by throwing a jacket on them. Parents, keep your children within reach. Many dogs have not been socialized to children. Teach children not to run, scream or ride their bikes near the dogs. Train your children always to ask permission from the dog owner before approaching an unfamiliar dog. You are responsible for injuries inflicted by your dog. Under Minnesota law, a dog owner is liable for injuries and damage inflicted by their dog. Watch your dog carefullyLlf your dog injures a person or a dog, give your name and phone number to the injured party. Report to law enforcement any handlers who refuse to take responsibility for damages/injuries and who are endangering the safety of others. Keep the area safe and clean. Pick up trash, cigarette butts, and litter. Pick up an orphan poop. Don't let your dog dig holes. Leave the site better than you found it! It's the small gesture multiplied by dozens of daily visitors that makes these sites successful. Pick up poop! Thousands of dogs visit these sites every month. Those who don't pick up ruin it for the rest of us. Dirty sites will be closed, and no new sites will be opened. Most of all, nobody likes to look at or step in poop. Be courteous and use common sense! Pick up, Pick up, Pick up! Bring extra plastic bags to help maintain the poop bag supply for poop removal, and carry out an extra bag or two (full, of course). Sign in when you visit an off-leash park. We want to count your visit for our records. By documenting our large and diverse user group, we can influence the decision-makers who allocate recreational space for more off-leash sites. Be a responsible dog owner. Keep licenses and vaccinations up to date, spay or neuter your dog, train your dog in basic obedience, educate yourself about dog behavior (many books, magazines and websites are available), and join the organization that is supporting your site!!!! 1QQ ROMP 1563 Como Avenue, St Paul, MN 55108651.776-0307 info@dogromp., c http://www.dogromp.comftips.htm 9/24/2004 Parks and Recreation Page 1 of3 Parks II Trails II Golf II Ice Arenas II Tamarack Nature Center II Administration Facilities Maps II Volunteer II Contact US II Parks Main Page II Home Page Off-Leash Dog Areas Park What are Off-Leash Dog Areas? Activities As urban areas develop, owners Picnicking increasingly use parks to exercise their dogs. Present Swimming ordinances limit dogs in parks by requiring the use of leashes Geocaching and restricting areas where dogs are allowed. However, dog Boating & owners have recently become Fishing more vocal and organized against these restrictions, Sledding petitioning for increased freedom with their pets. In response, many agencies have designated spaces where dogs are Archery Ranges & Horseshoe allowed to exercise and socialize without being leashed. A citizens' Courts group, Responsible Owners of Mannerly Pets (ROMP), made a presentation at the October 8, 1996, Ramsey County Parks and Park Recreation Commission meeting requesting establishment of one or more Develo12ment designated off-leash dog areas within the park system. ROMP cited several successful off-leash programs throughout the United States. Job Opportunities Trails Ramsey County Parks and Recreation staff reviewed both local and national response to citizen requests for off-leash areas. On January 11, the Parks and Recreation Commission endorsed ,a staff proposal to http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/Parks/Parks/offleash.asp 9/24/2004 ,. ~ '.-,,- , ',', ''":,' -. ., ;"-, ,. ...\ . . '. '.,., . ::" .~.' ,'. :, Parks and Recreation Page 20f3 establish two off-leash areas for a pilot program beginning June 27, 1997, and running through December 31, 1998. Upon the conclusion of the off- leash program, the department reviewed the program and public comment and determined that off- leash areas are a legitimate recreational activity that can be accommodated in carefully selected sites. A third site was opened in 2001. Where are the Off-Leash Areas? The off-leash areas are located at Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor in Shoreview, the Lower Afton area of Battle Creek Regional Park in Maplewood and the Woodview Open Space Site in Roseville. These areas are not associated with established recreation areas, one of the criteria in site selection. The Rice Creek site is approximately 13 acres; Battle Creek is approximately 10 acres; and W oodview is approximately 5 acres. The Woodview site has a handicapped-accessible area that is entirely fenced. Mowed corridors (where pets are required to be leashed) provide transition areas from trails and parking lots. Mowed perimeter trails and signage define the off-leash area boundaries. Ma~ Iff . Rice Creek Regional Trail Corridor in Shoreview . The Lower Afton Road area of Battle Creek Regional Parkin Maplewood . W oodview Open Space Site in Roseville What are the Rules? . Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated. . Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the off- leash area and in transition corridors. . Owners must be in verbal control of their dogs at all times and prevent aggressive behavior, biting, fighting, or excessive barking. . Owners are liable for damage or injury inflicted by their dogs. . Owners must have a visible leash at all times. . Owners must possess a device for clean up and disposal of feces. . Dogs in heat are not allowed. . Dogs must stay within signed boundaries. . Owners must comply with all other park rules and regulations. What about pets in other parts of the park system? Pets are allowed on most trails or in designated off-leash dog areas. Guide animals assisting blind or impaired persons are permitted in all http://www.co.ramsey.mn.uslParks/parks/offleash.asp 9/24/2004 Parks and Recreation Page 3 of3 areas and park structures. Where are pets not allowed? . Beach Areas . Picnic Areas . Nature Interpretive Areas . Wildlife Refuges . Golf Courses . Park Buildings . Park Shelters Must my pet be leashed? Yes, your pet must be either caged or on a leash no longer than six (6) feet in length, except in the off-leash dog areas. Must I clean up after my pet? Yes, you must possess and use an appropriate device for cleaning up and disposing of pet feces in a sanitary manner. Return to the Ramsey County Home Page Author: Parks E-mail: Parks Web Master Questions? Call city/county information at: 651-266-8500 Last updated on 12/24/2002 12:02:03 PM http://www.co.ramsey .mn. us/Parks/park:~/offleash.asp 9/24/2004 '., ",. ',,-' .-.',,< , "-,, ,', .,.",. ~~,"~6,," ~ Co\J..~ ~ ~ Why are we here today? To receive PARAC's Report on Possible Off Leash Dog Sites in Dakota County. What is the Committee being asked to do? 1) Accept the PARAC report, and 2) Consider if the County wants to offer off leash dog areas as a new service. - what level of service? - how to operate it? - how to pay for it? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------~----------------------------------------------------------------------. 3) If the County wants to provide off leash dog areas, consider possible pilot programs, as recommended by PARAC: - Explore partnering with cities on sites they are considering developing - Do further research on the up to 20 acres of County-owned land off CR 46 and Hwy 52 as a possible site - Contact the University of Minnesota about developing a site within UMORE Park on its extensive acreage. Why did we at the County start talking about off leash dog areas? The request for a County off leash dog area emerged at the end of the Lebanon Hills Master Planning process. The County Board asked PARAC to identify need.for an off leash dog area and any possible sites, including sites in Lebanon Hills Park. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. What didn't the County Board decide when it made its request to PARAC? The County Board did not decide if or how it wanted to provide this service. The County Board did not ask PARAC to recommend whether to provide this service, how to provide it, how to pay for it, or where to put it. From some of the citizen comments we've received, it appears they believe that by asking PARAC to identify possible sites for an off leash dog area, the County Board had already decided to provide this service, and that PARAC was deciding whether to put an off leash dog area in Lebanon Hills Park. To date, the discussion has not been on whether to provide the service or what quality of service to provide, but on a site in Lebanon Hills Regional Park. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. There are currently 15 official off-leash dog areas in the Twin Cities; one in Burnsville and one in Rosemount. Off Leash Dog Areas in the . Seven-County Metropolitan Area .. Anoka . Olf.l...shOog...r...(.Ip'....ll.loullon) lIB Fed,u.IMoln.gtdA...a ~;:fiK~ Palll FlItS.rv.~ mil RIgkinal.ndCourrtv'P'rlls &I Sp.c~l Rlclutlon horiu'" ~. stilt Mn'gldAfui; -t, & Scott Dakota Pnp,. by t/IIIlJlII<D,. CounIyOfff1~o'PI01lf/nrl, 2t'JOf . Indicators from the PARAC Report: - 500 off leash dog areas in the U.S., 400 in Canada - 15 official sites in Twin Cities, more being considered - AKC estimate: 41,000 homes with dogs in northern Dakota County - 12,284 licensed dogs in Dakota County cities in 2001 - Dogs off leash are # 1 violation of the Park Ordinance - 78 out of 1,656 registered users (or 5%)at Battle Creek off leash dog area in a two month period were Dakota County residents (or roughly 1,000 out of 20,000 visitors in 2001). - 36 Dakota County residents purchased off leash dog area annual permits from Hennepin County Parks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. PARAC process and list of possible sites: PARAC fulfilled the County Board request by looking at sites on: - County owned property - County Park system lands - City-considered sites (in partnership) - Other agency and private lands (in partnership) - PARAC baseline site search criteria: 1. Avoid land use conflicts (child care areas, residential neighborhoods, passive recreation areas, existing high use areas, etc.) via buffering or distance. 2. Avoid ecologically sensitive areas (sensitive or unique wildlife habitat/vegetation, highly erodible or sensitive soils, steep slopes, sensitive waterways, etc.). Search for sites that have more durable environmental attributes and the capacity for vegetative regeneration, and can provide a pleasant visitor experience. ---------------------------------------------~-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~~ PARAC baseline site search criteria (continued): 3. Have convenient road access, handicapped access, and access to parking. 4. Have a minimum site size of 7-20 acres. 5. Have several open use areas within a given site. At least one open use areas should have at least two acres of contiguous open field. 6. Have a compact site shape as opposed to a linear site. Possible sites from PARAC report: County - CR 46 by Hwy 52,16-20 acres, - CR 46 by Biscayne, 40 acres, - Spring Lake cropland, 20 acres - Spring Lake SW, 20 acres '-no:ltl", (:gllllrtv l'oHlbl. $C.,. 1<< Qtf.uNtJ - Lebanon Hills Park,1 0-15 acres HMe<lttoD..otaCouttty - Lake Byllesby Regional Park - Miesville Ravine Park Reserve .1:1II1l1'"Olt-l.I;IM!IIo'UlllIIIR ...1).1Itb.1;....1/ Eh~M~.Il'.~....t..... City ...."...."r...llul'....'1l1)' .MlrM,."'<11,.,. &_,......"01;."',,..'11" ~RI'~ 1l."""~""'M" - 6 - 9 cities interested -~- WR<O....'...~<IlI...OI... . ""~IK"..._I"'.""~ .....Ir.~""'II.~"'r-""'f ..."'"....lIMM_'''" in partnership .... ...... ....... (:to....., U of MN (UMORE) Other .t. - Public or private lands to explore, as directed, for partnerships with landowners, County, Cities, OLDA groups ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PARAC recommendation: 1) Accept the report and keep the information for future consideration as part of each new park master plan, where off leash dog area users would be represented on a stakeholders task force. 2) If County Board chooses to provide off leash dog areas, explore a pilot program in one or more of three ways: - a) Explore partnering with cities on sites they are considering developing. Partnership City Interest Near Term Longer Term Apple Valley (no sites to proceed) Yes - - Burnsville (preliminary) (has existing off leash area Yes - - Eagan Yes Yes - Farmington (tentative) (issue on hold for now) Yes - - Hastings Yes - - Lakeville (preliminary) Yes - - Rosemount Yes - Yes South St. Paul Yes - Yes West St. Paul Yes - - (no sites to proceed) --------------------------------------~----~----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b) Do further research on County-owned land off CR 46 and Hwy 52 as a possible site - 12-20 acres Dakota County Prop<<ty - Available Lo..tod off Co.1t4.46...4 BlalnoAvo.. - Isolated from other users - Easy access from CR 46, Hwy 52 E:3 LoP~...,,,,,,,, Cl "IOJl~lYfI(\I.J(I4.I'J' - Near area of high population growth - Varied terrain - Discuss with NRG, as directed , A - Prevailing winds ~_ .,. __.. Cn...'.",.............-,. ~u towards Nand E (minimal odors from compost site) . c) Contact the University of Minnesota about developing a site in UMORE Park University of Minnesota UMORE Park - 7,500 + acres - University is considering new uses for property, including enhanced public access - Good road access - Discuss with the University, as directed ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now that the PARAC report has been summarized, we ask the Committee to: 1) Accept the PARAC report 2) Decide if the County wants to develop a program to provide off leash dog area service and, if so, direct staff to return at a later date with recommendations on: - Level and quality of service - How to provide the service - How to operate the service - How to pay for it and when to implement it 3) Decide if the County wants to accept PARAC's recommendation on where the County might consider a pilot prag'fam. . What makes a good County-level off leash dog area? Ramsey and Hennepin Counties have been operating off leash dog areas for some time; Hennepin for nearly 20 years. They say: 1. Locate the off leash dog area in an isolated area, well away from other users to avoid negative experiences for dogs, dog owners and other users. Proximity to people is nice; but it is a regional facility and dog owners will drive 20 to 30 minutes to a good experience. 2. Don't skimp on size for this increasingly popular use; Ramsey County users ask for at least 10 acres and prefer 20; Suburban Hennepin Parks finds that 25 to 45 acres is sized better. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What makes a good County-level off leash dog area? (continued) 3. Charge fees to cover some of the costs; determine how much cost you want to recover. 4. Develop strong accountability among dog owners by having a group identity, so enforcement can be done by the members themselves. 5. Prepare for more demand in service levels... Other agencies are seeing interest in reserving the space for special events. Because so much attention has been given to Lebanon Hills Park, let's apply this key criteria to the potential Park site and to the potential site near CR46 and Hwy 52: Lebanon Hills Park SIte "I!' . Lebanon Hills RegI<>n.' Park - Use conflicts - Would take land from general park use area c:J PMk B 11I11"",-'11 Nt"'IJ..Tf~I" - 5-10 minute drive from N~:=;t~~~~': NCtiIFl.Clo.Tlollk existing population center - Existing parking often at capacity . A "l'l>.l~~ J!t'lfl. ~ I' U.l t,' wMt' Oft". rll'lllMI~._ <titYo' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Countv-Owned Land 46/52 - No use conflicts DalOIa county f'r.operty Lo~at9(l 011 Co. Rd. 46 ah~ BI~ln. Aft. E - Land is available and low use, if any - 12-20 acres c::J t,t.IUrl.;l'7t - 15-20 minute drive I:::J "10".1\1 h,~tal1 from existing population center - Need new parking facility A ~OtW"r ~ C111".)" C06on!)' (lflbt ~'''M1~,.t'(J. ~O'~ . Site selection comes after development of a program for operating a successful off leash dog area Things to address include: 1) County liability and rules to protect health and safety: clean-up requirements, restrictions on young children, number of dogs/person, appropriate behavior, hours of operation, etc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~------------------~----------------------- Site selection comes after development of a program for operating a successful off leash dog area (continued) Things to address include: 2) Quality of service and site design standards, based on other regional park providers' experiences: - Size - Drainage - Vegetation - Parking - Access - Trails - On-site and off-site signs - Waste receptacles - Amenities (picnic tables, benches, landscaping, toilets) Site selection comes after development of a program for operating a successful off leash dog area (continued) Things to address include: 3) How to pay for this service: - Capital costs, - Maintenance and operation costs - Application of user fees -----------------~------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site selection comes after development of a program for operating a successful off leash dog area (continued) Things to address include: 4) Whether to work independently or in partnership with another public or private entity . Site selection comes after development of a program for operating a successful off leash dog area (continued) Things to address include: 5) Enforcement mechanisms and procedures for off leash dog areas. How to enforce the on-leash ordinance if off-leash users are adjacent to on-leash areas in the Parks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does a well-run, high quality off leash dog area look like to a major regional park provider planning a new site now? Ideally, find 25 to 45 acres Capital Costs Fencing (interior fencing & area enclosure) $15,000 Parking lot (30 stalls for users; paved) 30,000 Trails 3,000 Portable toilet screen 3,000 Well (drinking & cleaning water) 15,000 Double gate (access staging area) 500 4 Picnic tables 3,000 2 Waste containers 700 Signage (additional signage and kiosk) 5,000 Bag dispensers 500 Pay Box 750 Total Estimated Site Cost $76,450 . . Annual operational costs: Administrative 600 Maintenance Costs 5,000 Enforcement (within Off Leash Area) 1.500 Total Average Operational Cost/OLDA Site $ 7,100 Revenues generated by user fees: Hennepin Parks 2001 OLDA Revenues (4 sites) 725 System OLDA permits @ 25.00 each/year $18,125 Average Revenue per OLDA Site $4,531 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. The action at hand: 1) Accept the PARAC report 2) Decide if the County wants to develop a program to provide off leash dog area service and, if so, direct staff to return at a later date with recommendations on: - Level and quality of service - How to provide the service - How to operate the service - How to pay for it and when to implement it 3) Decide if the County wants to accept PARAC's recommendation on where the County might consider a pilot program.