Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee Report - Granicus

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TEagle Dog Park AdvisoryCommittee Report

March 16, 2017

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3.....................................................................................Introduction 5..................................................................................................Planning Process 8.........................................................................................Development and Maintenance Costs 11.......................................................Recommendation 12.......................................................................................References 20................................................................................................Appendices 21 ................................................................................................

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Executive Summary

This report details the recommendations of the City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee. Recommendations are provided as guidelines for the City of Eagle.

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee was formed in April 2016 and has met monthly since May 2016. The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee is comprised of community members who are interested in the possibility of a dog park in Eagle, an Eagle City Council member and a Parks, Pathways, and Recreation Commission representative. City of Eagle Parks and Recreation staff facilitated the meetings. The Mayor’s office provided a list of objectives which were used to guide the Committee’s direction and process.

The City of Eagle Parks and Recreation’s mission is:“To provide and create exceptional opportunities for play which improve the livability and quality of life for people while fostering respect for the natural and cultural environments of Eagle.” The Dog Park Advisory Committee believes that adding a dog park will help support this mission.

The City of Eagle drafted a Parks Master Plan in 2015. This Parks Master Plan determined a standard of 3.4 acres of parkland for every 1,000 residents and .27 miles of non-motorized trails per 1,000 residents.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the City of Eagle, in 2013, was 21,646. A Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) update showed the City of Eagle’s population expanded to 25,500 in 2016. The City of Eagle’s 2007 Comprehensive Plan Projections shows a population growth rate of at least 4% within the next 5-10 years (see Appendix A). Building a dog park, in an area that is not already an established City Park, adds parkland for citizens whose needs are currently not being met.

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee researched established dog parks, investigated potential off-leash and seasonal areas, solicited input from local Park Superintendents, surveyed local businesses and community members, evaluated those survey results, estimated costs for

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the development, design and maintenance of a dog park, and identified the best location for a City of Eagle Dog Park.

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee is recommending that a dog park be developed at Eagle Island State Park. The Committee also advises that small parks be considered as seasonal dog off-leash areas within existing parks. The Committee believes Merrill Park, Guerber Park, and/or the Ada/Eagle Sports Complex are ideal locations for seasonal dog off-leash areas.

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Introduction

Background

In 2015, the City of Eagle conducted a statistically valid survey for the draft Parks Master Plan, which illustrated that residents were interested in having a dog park in the City of Eagle. Once the City of Eagle Parks and Recreation saw citizen interest in wanting a dog park, they hosted a Dog Park Open House on January 25, 2016. At the Dog Park Open House, citizens communicated the need for a dog park, gave input on location and amenities, and provided information if they were interested in volunteering on a dog park committee and/or receiving updates on the process. (see Appendix B)

The City of Eagle’s draft Parks Master Plan showed that out of 295 responses, 31% stated that a dog park was the most needed facility in Eagle. 23% of respondents stated developing an off-leash dog park and/or creating dog off-leash trails were the top important park improvements in Eagle.

During the Dog Park Open House, contact information was gathered from those who expressed interest in learning more about the park and/or helping on a committee. As a result, a list of interested community members was sent to the Mayor’s office in April, 2016. A City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee was formed and held their first meeting on May 23, 2016. The Mayor presented the Committee with a purpose and specific guidelines to follow. The Committee was asked to keep the Mayor, the Parks, Pathways, and Recreation Commission (PPRC, formerly Parks and Pathways Development Commission), and the City Council updated at regular intervals. The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee met at least once a month.

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory is comprised of eight (8) members: Six community stakeholders, one PPRC member, and one Eagle City Council member. Two City of Eagle Parks and Recreation staff facilitated the meetings.

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Purpose

The purpose of the City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee is to:- Research local dog parks and amenities- Determine size of area needed- Locate potential sites- After research is completed, reach out to local veterinarians for their

input- Make budget recommendations- Solicit broad community input on a local dog park- Summarize public input- Make a recommendation to the Parks, Pathways and Recreation

Commission and the City Council(see Appendix C)

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee’s guidelines are to:- Focus on location; size of area needs; amenities; operations; budget- Meet twice a month initially, in order to visit existing dog parks, then

once a month- Use a City of Eagle’s vehicle for transportation to dog park sites

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Why is a Local Dog Park Important?

In the last few years, the demand for community dog parks has increased dramatically nationwide. With cities becoming more crowded, and leash laws more restrictive, dog owners are looking to dog parks as a place to spend quality time with their pets. “Off-leash recreation areas benefit both human and canine, by providing safe and fun places for dogs to exercise and dog-owners to socialize” (Off-Leash Dog Task Force Report, 2005).

The American Kennel Club states that the benefits of dog recreation areas include: “allowing dogs to exercise and socialize safely, promoting responsible dog ownership, providing an outlet for dog owners to socialize, and make for a better community by promoting public health and safety” (Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community, American Kennel Club).

Currently, there are no City operated dog parks or off-leash areas in the City of Eagle. There is one dog park in the City of Nampa (Amity Dog Park), one dog park in the City of Meridian (Storey Bark Park), and four classified dog parks in the City of Boise (Sterling Park, Pine Grove Park, Military Reserve, and Morris Hill). There are a number of off-leash areas, including seasonal off-leash areas (see Appendix D).

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Planning Process

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee followed the Mayor’s purpose and guidelines as presented at the first meeting in May 2016.

1. Research existing dog parksa. Visited Amity Dog Park (Nampa) and Storey Bark Park (Meridian) on

June 7, 2016.b. Review dog park websites, online articles, Dog Park Design,

Development and Operation book (Glasser, M., 2013), and survey questions.

c. Met with the City of Meridian Parks and the City of Nampa Parks Superintendents, Mike Barton and Cody Swander. They described their prospective dog parks and answered questions at meetings held on June 20 and July 18, 2016.

2. Determine size of parka. Meridian and Nampa Parks Superintendents suggested about 10

acres is optimal based on stated needs and amenities from community input. 10 acres would accommodate a walking path, parking, and restroom(s) as well as different kinds of surface materials for the dogs (artificial turf, pea-gravel, cement, natural lawn, etc.).

b. 39% of survey respondents listed dog park size within the top three most important features (see Appendix E).

3. Locate potential sitesa. The Committee discussed, ranked (see Appendix F), and considered

these potential dog park sites:i. Eagle Island State Park

- Eagle Island State Park (EISP) and Idaho State Parks (ISP) representatives, Gary Shelley (EISP manager), Matt Cooper (EISP assistant manager), David Langhorst (ISP director), and Keith Hobbs (ISP operations administrator), met with us at EISP on July 14, 2016. The Committee met a second time, with Gary Shelley and Keith Hobbs (on site), on November 21, 2016, to discuss partnering with the City of Eagle, dog park

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size, entrance fees, availability of utilities, parking, and shared maintenance.

ii. Merrill Park’s Haunted Woods area- The Committee visited this area on July 14, 2016.

iii. Guerber Parkiv. Orval Krasen Parkv. Ada-Eagle Sports Complexvi. Lakemoor Nature Park (not completed)vii. Friendship Park

b. When respondents were asked what they dislike about the existing dog parks, the most common answer was that current dog parks are too far away from Eagle. According to the Dog Park Survey, 16% of the respondents (24) stated that dog parks were too far away from Eagle (see Appendix E).

4. Solicit broad community input and summarize public inputa. Yappy Hour at Merrill Park (September 23, 2016)b. City of Eagle Dog Park Survey Online survey (September 19-

October 17, 2016)Distribution:i. Online via Survey Monkeyii. Pet stores and businessesiii. Veterinarian clinicsiv. Eagle City Hallv. Promote on Facebook and City of Eagle eLettervi. Electronic update- sent to a dog park list formed by Parks and

Recreation from multiple events and citizens who expressed their interest in a local dog park.

According to the City of Eagle Dog Park Survey:41% of respondents currently use dog parks26% of respondents use Storey Bark Park (Meridian)20% use Amity Dog Park (Nampa)24% of respondents use local dog parks once a week23% use local dog parks a few times annually8% of respondents use local dog parks once a month5% use local dog parks daily (see Appendix E)

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5. Updatesa. Met with the Mayor on November 3, 2016.b. Met with the PPRC on November 17, 2016.c. The Mayor attended a Dog Park Advisory Committee meeting on

January 17, 2017.

6. Make budget recommendationsa. A cost estimate spreadsheet for the development and maintenance

of a dog park was created by the City of Eagle Parks and Recreation Director. It was based on a 5 acre site at Eagle Island State Park and did not include design costs (see Development and Maintenance Cost Estimates p.13, and Appendix G).

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Development and Maintenance Cost Estimates

5 acres at Eagle Island State Park

Development costs2,500 feet vinyl-coated, 5 foot chain link fence $55,000Pathway construction $15,000Two (2) dog-waste bag dispensers $575Two (2) Thermoplastic garbage receptacles $1,600Gravel parking area (40 spaces) $9,000Two (2) ADA accessible parking with paved pathway toshelter (approx. 880’ trail) $21,600Surface material inside dog park $34,500TOTAL $137,275

Amenities costsFour (4) benches $2,500Dog and people drinking fountains $8,400Bulletin board and signs $1,500Two (2) shade structures (12’x12’) $21,500TOTAL $33,900

Annual maintenance costsFence $200Benches $100Drinking fountains $150Pathway replacement material $7,800Two (2) dog-waste dispenser bags and waste control $15,600Gravel grading and replacement $10,700Bulletin board, sign maintenance and replacement $4,600Surface material, replacement & sanitizing $8,800Portable restroom $2,400Vegetation maintenance $1,440TOTAL $55,690(see Appendix G)

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Recommendation

Based on the assessment and research of the City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee, it is recommended that the City of Eagle’s first priority is to develop a 5-10 acre fenced dog park (which includes parking) at Eagle Island State Park. This dog park can be a collaborative effort between the City of Eagle and Idaho State Parks and Recreation. Development at this site should save the City of Eagle money by providing a sizable location, shared maintenance and amenities.

In the beginning of this process, the City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee became aware that Eagle Island State Park had included a dog park in their 2006 Parks Master Plan. After meeting with the Eagle Island State Park staff, the Dog Park Advisory Committee noted that the staff seemed supportive of a partnership with the City of Eagle to build a dog park at the EISP site (see Appendix H).

The Committee ultimately decided to recommend Eagle Island State Park (EISP) as the best location for Eagle's first formal dog park because it ranked highest for the 9 criteria rated for the locations considered as shown in the Location Rating Sheet summary (see Appendix F). It ranked highest in 5 out of the 9 criteria: area available; development costs; maintenance and security costs (low cost); compatibility with other park uses; potential for controversy (low potential). Future walking access to the dog park was also a consideration in selecting EISP.

The City of Eagle Dog Park Advisory Committee researched and evaluated design standards used at various local dog parks. After visiting dog parks, meeting with Park Superintendents from other municipalities, visiting web sites, reading online articles and a book, and considering public survey results, the committee established the following design criteria:

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Type and Size- 5-10 acres for a large park is optimal in an open area such as Eagle

Island State Park. It would include separate small and large dog areas as well as a walking path for the community. A variety of ground cover could be used within this size range.

- Nampa’s Amity Dog Park has over 6 acres. The City of Nampa recently purchased a 9 acre site for a second dog park. Meridian’s Storey Bark Park has over 2 acres.

- 1-2 acres could be used as a smaller dog park within a neighborhood park, such as Guerber Park, Merrill Park or Ada/Eagle Sports Complex. These may be designated temporary or seasonal dog areas.

Fencing/Demarcation- Developed areas may require fencing. The fencing would enclose the

dog park. Chain-link is used most often in other dog parks. Black vinyl-coated, or powder-coated, blends in with the surroundings and prevents fence rust and deterioration.

- Fence height should be between 4-6’ high with no more than a 3 inch gap.

- Gates will be needed for maintenance vehicles as well as entrance/exit gates for both the large and small dog areas.

- Seasonal/temporary dog parks within parks, or areas near the greenbelt, could have either fencing, signage or both.

- Unfenced areas should have signs posted along the boundaries.

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Separate fenced-in small and large dog areas- According to the Dog Park Survey, 44% of respondents (68) stated

this was the most important aspect for a successful dog park (see Appendix E).

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Entrance/Exit- Durable gates will be needed for the dogs and owners to enter and

exit safely.- The gates are ‘sally port’ double-gated (see Appendix F, 2). Two sets

of these double-gates will be needed for separate large and small dog areas. Double-gated entries and exits allow time for owners to unleash their dogs prior to introducing their dogs to dogs already off leash, avoiding potential conflict due to leashes.

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Signage- Posted at the entrance and various points within the park- Park name- Park hours- Rules for dogs and owners

- Kiosk/bulletin board outside fencing (metal or similar durable material)

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Kiosk Bulletin Board

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Water Source- Water is seen as a high priority

by the Committee. Survey answers reflect that water fountains for people and dogs was the fifth most important item for a successful dog park with 33% of respondents showing it as a top priority.

- Potable water for dogs and their owners

- Proper drainage to prevent standing water

Ground Covering- Dogs and handlers appreciate different types of sensations, which

can be achieved by utilizing different ground coverings. This also allows for temporary closure of specific areas for maintenance purposes without having to close the entire park.

- Grass- Decomposed granite- Cement- Asphalt- Pea-gravel- Artificial turf- Bare soil

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Water Source

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Amenities- According to the Dog Park Survey, 58% of respondents (89) identified

cleanliness and maintenance as the most important aspect for a successful dog park.

- Standardized dog waste-bag dispensers (biodegradable bags are preferable), and 20-35 gallon trash receptacles, located away from entrances and benches and near dog-waste containers.

- Benches/seating (PVC, synthetic wood, cement, recycled plastic)- Shade (man-made structures or natural vegetation)- Shade is a high priority for the committee and citizens. According to

the City of Eagle Dog Park Survey, shade is the fourth most important item for a successful dog park with 35% of respondents choosing it as one of the most important items (see Appendix E).

- Restrooms- Parking

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Dog-wasteDispenser

Trash Can

2016, 25,506

0

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20,000

30,000

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Comparison of Growth Estimates 

Actual + 4% 2007 Eagle Plan COMPASS Proposed 4.5%

 ‐ 5,000

 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000

2007 Comprehensive Plan Projections vs. Actual (2007 to 2016)

2007 Comp Plan Estimate Actual Projected 4% 

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Optional Amenities- Pond, stream, water feature, dog wash area- Artwork- Lighting- Agility equipment- Agility equipment, in a dog park, is seen as a low priority for the

Committee and citizens. Survey respondents ranked dog amenities, such as toys and agility equipment, the third least important item for a successful dog park (see Appendix E).

As a second priority, the Dog Park Advisory Committee recommends to allow Guerber and/or Merrill Parks to provide off-leash dog use November 1 to March 31. These off-leash areas do not require fencing and would utilize signage to map the location of the off-leash area as well as set rules of use. Cost would be minimal for an off-leash area as it would include signage, dog-waste stations, trash cans, yet eliminate the expenditure for fencing. This offers dog owners an immediate use until a fenced dog park is constructed. This option would also allow the current soccer fields to be utilized during the busy months. At Guerber Park, the City of Eagle may want to look at developing a small fenced dog park where the existing volleyball sand court is.

The Dog Park Advisory Committee’s third recommendation is to develop a small dog park (about 2 acres) at the Ada/Eagle Sports Complex or acquire some other small property such as the area on the south side of Hill Road, West of Guerber Park, to do the same.

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References

Glasser, M.R. (2013), Dog Park Design, Development, and Operation, HumanKinetics.com

Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community, The American Kennel Club, www.akc.org

Off-Leash Dog Task Force Report, Sacramento County (2005)

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Appendix A

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2016, 25,506

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

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2023

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2028

2029

2030

2031

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2035

2036

2037

2038

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2040

Comparison of Growth Estimates 

Actual + 4% 2007 Eagle Plan COMPASS Proposed 4.5%

 ‐ 5,000

 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000

2007 Comprehensive Plan Projections vs. Actual (2007 to 2016)

2007 Comp Plan Estimate Actual Projected 4% 

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Year 2007 Comp Plan Estimate 

Actual  COMPASS Proposed 

2017 Update 2007 22,144               20,095 20,0952008 21,090 21,0902009 21,370 21,3702010 24,901               19,908 19,9082011 20,140 20,1402012 20,550 20,5502013 21,350 21,3502014 23,460 23,4602015 30,296               24,600 24,6002016 25,510           25,510                   25,510 2017 26,530                        26,658 2018 27,592                        27,858 2019 28,695                        29,111 2020 36,860              29,843           33,132                   30,421 2021 31,037                        31,790 2022 32,278                        33,221 2023 33,569                        34,716 2024 34,912                        36,278 2025 44,846              36,309           39,636                   37,910 2026 37,761                        39,616 2027 39,271                        41,399 2028 40,842                        43,262 2029 42,476                        45,209 2030 44,175           47,417                   47,243 2031 45,942                        49,369 2032 47,780                        51,591 2033 49,691                        53,912 2034 51,679                        56,338 2035 53,746           56,726                   58,874 2036 55,896                        61,523 2037 58,131                        64,291 2038 60,457                        67,184 2039 62,875                        70,208 2040 65,390           67,705                   73,367 

City of Eagle Population Forecasts 

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Appendix B

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Dog Park Open House 1/26/16 Summary

36 attendees that signed in 17 interested in working group, 4 maybes

Potential Locations In this section, posters of potential locations that are currently city owned were posted with a list of strengths and weaknesses. Participants could add strengths and weaknesses that they see fit, as well as adding any additional locations that might not be city-owned. Participants were given three (3) stickers and got the opportunity to vote for the three (3) locations they thought would be best for a dog park.

Results: E. Riverside Dr (the undeveloped land near Merrill Park along the river) received the most amount of votes (20), followed by Merrill Park and Ada/Eagle Sports Complex I (the velodrome) with 19 votes each. Friendship Park and Orval Krasen Park received no votes. Added potential locations included Eagle Island State Park and the pond East of Edgewood on the Greenbelt.

Current Treasure Valley Dog Parks At this section, a map of Treasure Valley dog parks was posted along with some photos of the most popular dog parks in the area. Participants used the Moment Board to state what they like about dog parks and what they don’t like about dog parks.

Results: Some common themes when asked what people like about dog parks were: 1. Room to run off leash 2. Lawn/ grass 3. Shade for dogs & people. Common things people do NOT like about dog parks: 1. Gravel 2. People who don’t pick up after pet 3. No division for size

Amenities At the amenities section, there were pictures of general dog park amenities and site furnishings. Each participant was given $100 to “buy” the amenities they felt were most needed. The prices of each item ranged from $5-$15 based on the actual cost of install and operation the amenity.

Results: Agility equipment such as jump bars, hurdles, and teeter totters were not as well liked as other items. Barrell/tunnel was the highest voted for agility item at $40 or 8 ‘votes’. For the $10 site furnishings waste receptacles was most voted for at $340 or 34 ‘votes’, waste disposal posts (Mutt Mitts) came in second with $330 or 33 ‘votes’ and water fountain came in third with $310 or 31 ‘votes’. For $15 other amenities shading was most voted for (as well as overall most voted for) with $540 or 36 ‘votes’, second was double gated entry at $510 or 34 ‘votes’ and third was separate small and large dog areas at $375 or 25 ‘votes’.

Appendix B

Comments

There was a comment table in which citizens could voice their opinion about the

possibility of a dog park.

Results: 15 participants left comments. The most common themes included wanting a

park on the West side of Eagle, needing a large space for the Dog Park, and gratitude

for the dog park open house meeting and starting the process. Some additional

comments include using funds from licensing, considering Eagle Island, and wanting a

track for people to walk around.

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Appendix C

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Appendix D

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Local Dog Park Locations

1. Eagle Island State Park (Eagle) – on leash only

2. Storey Bark Park (Meridian) – Dog Park off leash

3. Redwood Park (Boise) – off leash area, Morning (Sunrise-10am) & Evening (4pm-Sunset) only

4. Sterling Park (Boise) – Dog Park off leash

5. Pine Grove Park (Boise) – Dog Park off leash

6. Winstead Park (Boise) – off leash area, June 1 - Aug 31 Sunrise to 8 am, Sep 1 - May 31 Sunrise to 10 am, Nov 1 - Feb1 3pm to Sunset

7. Castle Hills Park (Boise) – off leash area, Morning (Sunrise-10am) & Evening (4pm-Sunset) only

8. Sunset Park (Boise) – off leash area, Morning (Sunrise-10am) & Evening (4pm-Sunset) only

9. Military Reserve (Boise) – Dog Park off leash area

10. Ann Morrison Park (Boise) – off leash area, winter only

11. Morris Hill (Boise) – Dog Park off leash

12. Manitou (Boise) – off leash, Morning (Sunrise-10am) & Evening (4pm-Sunset) only

13.Williams Park (Boise) – off leash, Aug 1-May 31 sunrise to 10 am, June 1-July 31 7 am to 10 am, Year round 4 pm to sunset

14. Cypress Park (Boise) – off leash, Morning (Sunrise-10am) & Evening (4pm-Sunset) only

15.Nampa Dog Park (Nampa) – off leash

*Bold parks are classified as a dog park

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Appendix E

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Dog Park Survey Summary

Overview

153 Responses

Opened 9/20/16-10/17/16

Distribution: Yappy Hour 9/23 (24 responses), promoted at pet stores (Zamzows, NorthWest Pets, Petco, A Dog Zen Salon), Park Bulletin Boards, City eLetter, at City Hall, Parks & Recreation Facebook page

Results

- Top answers indicated by “ “

*Percentages may not add up to 100% as respondents could have answered multiple answers or skipped questions.

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Q2. How many dog(s) do you have?

1- 82 (53.6%) 2- 56 (36.65) 3- 9 (5.8%) 4- 1 (0.7%) 0- 4 (2.6%)

Q3. Where do you currently take your dog(s) to walk, socialize, or exercise?

Neighborhood – 76 (49.7%)

Greenbelt/River – 43 (28.1%)

Meridian Dog Park (Storey Bark Park) – 31 (20.3%)

Foothills – 31 (20.3%)

Nampa Dog Park – 23 (15%)

Dog Day Care or training (Escape, Spoiled Dog, Companions, Emerald St.) – 14 (9%)

Boise Dog Parks (Irving St., Morris Hill) – 7 (4.5%)

*Most answers did not specify which dog park in Boise*

Merrill Park – 7 (4.5%)

Guerber Park – 6 (3.9%)

Eagle Island State Park – 6 (3.9%)

Ada-Eagle Sports Complex/ Bike Park - 6 (3.9%)

Friends/neighbor/family’s house – 5 (3.2%)

Shopping centers (Home Depot, Petsmart, Petco) – 3 (1.9%)

YMCA Hobble Creek Park – 1 (0.7%)

Kliener Park (Meridian) – 3 (1.9%)

Optimist Park - 2 (1.3%)

Veterans Cemetery – 1 (.7%)

Star River Walk – 1 (.7%)

Payette River (Emmett) – 1 (.7%)

Work office - 1 (.7%)

School playground – 1 (.7%)

Backyard - 1 (.7%)

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Q5. Do you currently use an existing dog park? If yes, which one?

Meridian Dog Park (Storey Bark Park) – 40 (26.1%)

Nampa Dog Park – 30 (19.6%)

Boise Dog Park (Sterling, Morris Hill, Military Reserve) – 10 (6.5%)

*Most answers did not specify which dog park in Boise*

Hillside Jr. High – 1 (.7%)

One at apartment complex – 1 (.7%)

Des Moines, IA - 1 (.7%)

Cope Park, Juneau AK - 1 (.7%)

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Q7. If you use dog parks, what do you LIKE about existing dog parks?

Open space/ off leash – 29 (19%)

Separate large and small dog areas – 27 (17.6%)

Drinking water fountains (for dogs & humans) – 22 (14.4%)

Water features/ pond – 21 (13.7%)

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Fenced in/ enclosed – 20 (13%)

Socialization (dogs & humans) – 19 (12.4%)

Shade/ trees – 17 (11.1%)

Benches/ tables – 15 (9.8%)

Walking paths – 11 (7.2%)

Interactive stations/toys/agility equipment – 9 (5.9%)

Waste disposal posts – 8 (5.2%)

Grass - 8 (5.2%)

Well maintained/ clean – 6 (3.9%)

Restrooms – 5 (3.3%)

Different terrain/ hills – 4 (2.6%)

Trash cans – 3 (1.9%)

Double gated entry – 3 (1.9%)

Gravel (instead of bark) – 3 (1.9%)

Parking – 2 (1.3%)

More than 1 entrance/exit – 1 (.7%)

Friendly dogs – 1 (.7%)

Owners take ownership - 1 (.7%)

Q8. What do you DISLIKE about the existing dog parks?

Too far away (from Eagle) – 24 (15.7%)

People not watching dogs/ not picking up after dog – 10 (6.5%)

Swampy grass/ muddy – 10 (6.5%)

Too small – 9 (5.9%)

Mean/ aggressive dog (and people) – 9 (5.9%)

Gravel/ rocks – 6 (3.9%)

Bark/wood chips – 5 (3.3%)

Not knowing if updated on vaccines (kennel cough) – 4 (2.6%)

No shade – 4 (2.6%)

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Not maintained/ clean – 3 (1.9%)

No or not enough equipment - 3 (1.9%)

No water feature/pond – 2 (1.3%)

Seating too far from grass – 2 (1.3%)

Not fenced – 2 (1.3%)

Fake grass – 2 (1.3%)

Gaps in fence that small dogs could escape – 2 (1.3%)

No drinking water for dogs – 2 (1.3%)

No separation of large/ small – 2 (1.3%)

Left tennis balls – 1 (.7%)

Too many people – 1 (.7%)

Shelter too close to entrance – 1 (.7%)

Benches (dogs get injured on them) – 1 (.7%)

No benches - 1 (.7%)

Needs more grass - 1 (.7%)

Exclusion of dogs (size or breed) – 1(.7%)

Need more signage (for people to pick up waste) – 1 (.7%)

Fenced/ too confined – 1 (.7%)

Dogs off leash at entrance - 1 (.7%)

Too many people - 1 (.7%)

Only open certain hours/ time of year - 1 (.7%)

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Q11. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?

x A majority of responses stated something along the lines of “Would love a dog park in Eagle”. x Some also stated they would like to see a park on the West side of town x Another popular comment was that Meridian (Storey Bark Park) and Nampa dog parks were

great models, just too far away from Eagle!

All comments

- I don't use a dog park because there isn't one close by. I would use one a few times a week if there were one close by.

- Nothing close by to me - Partnering with Eagle Island State park and local businesses would provide more profile and support - The Meridian dog park is about as close to ideal as I can envision. It's just a long drive from my house. - Nampa dog park is a model dog park that Eagle can emulate - I thought that the Meridian park 2 acres would be big- it wasn't at all. Maybe how its laid out, but we will

never take our dogs back there again. Wasn't friendly for dogs. - I hope this can happen. There are no Eagle facilities on the west end of Eagle so it would be great to have a

city presence there. Full disclosure - I live on the west edge of Eagle. - Thanks for allowing Feedback! - So much enjoy being on the Dog Park Committee and making a contribution to our eventual dog park for our

city. - Would love a dog park nearby!!

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- I'd love to see a dog park in eagle! - I would love to see a dog park in Eagle! We live just up the hill on Chinden, "technically Meridian"- this

addition would be terrific for our golden retrievers! :) - It was hard to select only three as covered benches are important in the summer for SHADE and in the

winter if it's raining. A good location would include plenty of PARKING. Water fountains for the pups, and separate large/small spaces are important, just ask the owner of the little dog that was killed by a large dog in Meridian a week or so ago.

- Just that am excited that we may have a dog park in Eagle and it is needed in this area - Would love to see the park on the west side of the city! - As an Eagle business owner, I would be willing to help with community fund raising & awareness for a Dog

Park. - I would be willing to help maintain and volunteer to promote the Eagle Dog Park - It would be nice to have a park/dog park in the western area. - I want a local park! - Hope you get a dog park in Eagle - Need signage to prevent aggressive dogs. Spay & Neutered required. Rules & Regs posted. - Nampa did a great job of design just needs restrooms - Dog parks are tailored for dogs, not so much people. Picnic benches are a hazard. Bigger dogs run into

them when playing full speed caused cuts on dogs. If people want to sit they can bring own chairs. - Great job - Great to get Eagle Dog Park - Please get dog park - Heard Shadow Hills Elem. is adding dog park. - Playing with balls around other dogs can turn nasty. My little one doesn't want to be alone but can't be in

large side with my other dog - I would be more willing to use a dog park if larger and smaller dogs can be separated if needed. - I would like there to somehow be a regulation on vaccination history. I would be worried for puppies that

could contract Parvo or any other pet contracting Bordetella/kennel cough. Maybe have someone that comes by once in a while to check vaccination records? Could that be a requirement?

- I live just east of Horshoe Bend Rd and would absolutely love to see dog park in Eagle! - Location: not too close to bother any residential areas. - Why has the process slowed down so much with the new leadership in office? I thought he was going to be

more efficient? Last year this all seemed to be going very quickly but has completely seemed to halt and go in circles. How many surveys do you need to do? Why do we not have a dog park yet? This seems like something that could have and should have been done by this summer but I just find myself doing more surveys since the open house. It seems like our money is being wasted on surveys and wheel churning instead of getting a dog park set up. Yappy hour was excellent and the staff running it was excellent. I did not get to attend the first one though so I cannot speak to both.

- Waste of money, not sure why such a Big push for dog park - I'm not in Eagle city limits, but my family has been just outside of city limits since 1977. I currently live off

Beacon Light. I used to live in San Francisco and Austin, and I used dog parks extensively in both those cities. I haven't been to any dog parks here, but I like dog parks that have 6' fences, a double-gated entrance area, separate areas for small/big dogs, and if possible an area with gravel for "business" and a grass area to play. Benches and restrooms are nice, but I chose the three items from your list that are related to health/safety as my top three (water, shade, separate areas). No cheat grass is important. Dog amenities would be great!

- Would love to see a dog park in Eagle. We moved here from Portland and would visit them multiple times/week.

- Why is it taking years to do this? It's not rocket science, just use the new open space at Guerber park. How many studies, questionnaires and meetings do you have to have?

- Choice of small vs. large dog side is most important. The dog park helped my puppy stop being afraid of other dogs.

- Host dog events to create more buzz. A dog walk, like a mini SEE SPOT WALK with Eagle pet vendors perhaps

- I live very close to Eagle (Boise). I drive to Nampa to give my pups a safe and happy experience, and I meet people quite often from this area (Eagle/NW Boise) out there for same reason. Thank you.

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- While I think cleanliness and maintenance are important at dog parks to prevent illnesses and other unsavory things, I think it is the owners'/users' responsibility to clean up after their dogs and keep a community facility clean. This would keep costs down, and make people take a vested interest in the condition of the park.

- Meridian & Nampa dog parks are great. The water feature in Nampa is nice but deep water isn't really necessary. Wading depth would be quite sufficient. Nampa really chopped up the park by adding the large pond. It's nice for big dogs but is quite muddy and messy.around the pond.

- I don't like that they are a big square that you let your dog's run around in. I would rather have a place where you can take your dog on a off leash hike. I think you should build the restrooms at the BMX track before spending money on a dog park.

- There was a question about location of a dog park for Eagle. Is there room for a park within the BMX bike area and hiking trails at the end of Floating Feather adjacent to Horseshoe Bend Rd?

- The ones I have seen here are like a big play pen with stones for footing - not very park like at all - We would LOVE to have a dog park here, & would use it at least 4 times a week! - Place to take dogs swimming would be a plus. - Must have smart rules posted. Invest in our pets!!! - I'd just like to say that I'd love to have a dog park nearby and would certainly use it often. - I would love to see a dog park in Eagle. It's great for the dogs and I like meeting other dogs owners. - We plan on getting a dog in the future - We are moving to Eagle from Alaska and would love to see a dog park for our dog. - We would love to have a local dog park. - I would love to use a dog park if one were closer to eagle. Story Bark Park is a little out of our way. - Make it great, we are EAGLE!!!

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Appendix F

�Rationale:

Potential Locations Pros Cons

Merrill Park Lower development costs because parking and restrooms already exist.

Would reduce other uses in park

Best foot access both sidewalks and Greenbelt access

Controversial due to current uses

Ada/ Eagle Sports Complex A lot of open space Controversial due to current uses

Expensive development costs

Guerber Park Lower development costs because parking and restrooms already exist.

Would reduce other uses in park

Controversial due to current uses

Orval Krasen Would reduce other uses in park

Controversial due to current uses

Eagle Island State Park Lower maintenance cost with cost sharing Does not have sewer

Security cost will be less as park access is controlled

Proximity to residents rates low

Accessibility via walking rates low

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Appendix G

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Estimated Construction and operating cost for 5 acre Dog Park at Eagle Island State Park

Task Reason Construction Cost NotesAnnual

Maintenance Notes

2500' vinyl coated 5 foot chain-link fence

Contain Dogs in Park, includes 5 gates 2 for small and large dog areas each, 1 maintenance access 55,000$ 200$

4 Benches Sitting area for participants 2,500$

$625 per bench includes shipping and installation 100$

Dog and people drinking fountain

Water for participants and dog-This is allowing that water is located on site 8,400$

2 level drinking fountain, includes shipping and installation 150$

includes general maintenance, daily cleaning and seasonal shut off/turn on

Pathway Construction Half mile gravel trail 8-10 feet wide 15,000$

Includes Surface preparation and materials 7,800$

includes material replacement as needed

2 Dog waste bag dispensers Dog waste control 575$

Includes shipping, posts and installation 7,800$ includes replacing bags

2 Thermoplastic Garbage Cans Waste Management 1,600$

Includes shipping. 7,800$ includes replacing bags

Gravel Parking area 40 parking spots for participants 9,000$

Includes gravel and spreading, no site preparation 10,700$

includes grading and replacement materials

Bulletin Board For program information 1,100$

Includes shipping and installation 3,100$

includes updating material 2x a week

Signs Rules and wayfinding 400$

Includes

shipping and

installation 1,500$ includes replacement

2 12'x12' Shade

Structures For participant comfort 21,500$

Includes

shipping and

installation

Surface Material for

inside Dog Park

750 cubic yards needed for estimated one

acre area with 4 inches of depth for one

acre area 34,500$

Includes delivery

and spreading.

No site

preparation 8,800$

material replacement and

sanitizing

ADA accessible area

2 Parking spots, paved pathway to shelter

(approximately 880' of trail) 21,600$ includes labor 3,900$

Portable Restroom 12 month rental 1 bathroom 2,400$

Vegetation

Management 8x a year 6 hours per visit 1,440$ Based on $30 per hour

Totals 171,175$ 55,690$

No utility cost is in this estimation

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Appendix H

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