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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 Dougherty Hills Dog Park Renovation Y:� � AGENDA STATEMENT CITY OF PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION DjJBLIN MEETING DATE: March 16, 2015 SUBJECT: Dougherty Hills Dog Park Renovation Prepared by Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director ATTACHMENTS: Dougherty Hills Dog Park Renovation Plan RECOMMENDATION: Receive the Staff presentation, hear public comments and recommend Staff implement the proposed renovations and operational changes FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The estimated cost of the proposed improvements is $75,600. There is $40,000 available in the Park Maintenance Budget for improvements at the Dog Park this year. The remaining improvements will be implemented as funding becomes available. DESCRIPTION: The Dougherty Hills Dog Park on Amador Valley Boulevard is approximately two-acres in size and has both large and small dog areas as well as 18 off street parking spaces. Other amenities include fencing, double-gated entries, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, benches, signage and artwork. The design was approved by the City Council in February 2006 and the dog park was opened to the public in May 2007. Since opening, the Park has received tremendous use not only from Dublin residents but from residents of surrounding cities, and remains a popular destination. Current Conditions The park has continuous active use which has led to the deterioration of the site over time. The ground surface within the dog areas, which is a combination of turf and no-mow turf, is worn from heavy use, wear and tear and lack of resting periods. The dirt is compacted which reduces oxygen to the roots and makes it difficult to keep turf alive. Additionally, drainage problems and the loss of groundcover create muddy conditions during the rainy season and contribute to soil erosion over time. The no-mow turf on the hillsides is bare in some places and also needs to be renovated. While turf is the most desirable for dog owners, and in fact received overwhelming support when the dog park was first proposed, turf suffers the most from use and requires ongoing maintenance and closures to allow the turf to rest and keep it looking good. Staff recommends providing turf areas within the small and large dog park areas that can be fenced-off seasonally for maintenance while leaving the surrounding area open for use. The surrounding area would contain a mix of no-mow turf on the perimeter, mulch near the maintenance gates between the two dog areas, and unit pavers or COPIES TO: ITEM NO:8.1 G:\COMMISSIONS&COMMITTEES\PARKS COMMISSION�,4GNDSTMT�2015\3-16 Item 8.1 Dougherty Hills Dog Park Renovation.doc decomposed granite paving in the heavily used area known as the "launch" at the large dog park entrance. Additionally, some of the plantings in the surrounding landscape are in need of renovation. Park users are concerned with plants that may host fleas and ticks. There are several aromatic plants, including sage, lavencler and rosemary, which repel fleas and ticks and may be suitable for the perimeter plantings outside of the fence. These plants are low maintenance, drought resistant and provide color and fragrance. The will also soften the edge of the park. Proposed Improvements The proposed improvements will be phased and installed as funding becomes available. Attachment 1 is a conceptual renovation plan. The proposed improvements include: • Turf renovation and seasonal fencing for maintenance purposes • Repairs of large holes • Moving the bench away from the top of the steps in the small dog area • Relocation of the small dog area fence along Amador Valley to the top of the slope • Installation of new surfacing at the "launch" area of the large dog park entry � Installation of a small retaining wall or header in the small dog park at the steps • Installation of a new drinking fountain • Correction of the drainage issues • Renovation of the perimeter planting areas • Irrigation modifications for improved efficiency Staff anticipates the first phase of improvements will begin in April and be completed by the end of June. Operational Chan�es Staff is recommending new operating procedures related to dog park hours and closures. Currently the hours for the dog park are sunrise to one-hour after sunset. In response to complaints from neighbors regarding the barking, Staff recommends making the dog park hours 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily. Staff is also recommending rain closures for the dog park, similar to the City's sports fields. The dog park would be closed when it rains, and for a day or two after a rain event to allow the ground to dry. This will reduce soil compaction and damage to the turf. The turf zone within each dog park would fenced-off annually for major turf renovation and resting during the best recovery time for the grass, which is May 1 through July 30, as these are warmer months, the ground is warm enough to encourage root development, and the turf can heal faster. During this time the City would condition the soil, thatch, reseed the turf, and allow for the plant establishment period. The no-mow and bark areas could remain open during this period allowing partial use of the dog play areas. 2 of 2 Renovate Turf Renovate No-Mow Large Dog Area Renovate Planting Area Renovate Planting Area Renovate Planting Area Renovate No-Mow Turf Renovate Turf Install Swale to Improve Drainage Existing Fence MulchNew Paving at “Launch” Area Parking Lot AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD Proposed Operational Procedures: 1. Close Dog Park turf areas seasoanlly with temporary fencing for maintenance. 2. Close Dog Park during and after rainy weather. 3. Limit Dog Park hours from 9:00am to sunset daily. Phased Improvements: 1. Renovate turf area and repair large holes 2. Renovate no-mow turf as needed 3. Pave “Launch” area in Large Dog Park 4. Provide mulch near maintenance gates 5. Correct drainage issues 6. Install header at steps in Small Dog Park 7. Move bench at top of steps in Small Dog Park 8. Relocate fence in Small Dog Area to top 9. Replace drinking fountain 10. Renovate perimter plantings 11. Modify irrigation for improved eciency Small Dog Area DOUGHERTY HILLS DOG PARK RENOVATION PLAN City of Dublin, Parks & Community Services March 16, 2015 Move Bench Add Header at Steps Entry Temporary Fence Temporary Fence Move Fence