AGENDA #9
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration of Estimated Costs for Construction of Dog Parks in Chapel Hill
DATE: March 26, 2001
This memorandum responds to questions raised by the Council on February 12, 2001.
The attached Resolution A would direct the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee to include a dog park, one acre or larger in size, in its final recommended concept plan.
The attached Resolution B would direct the Manager to begin work on a dog park at Homestead Park. The Council could substitute another location(s) at its discretion.
The Council’s Dog Park committee reported to the Council on September 11, 2000. At that time the Council asked the staff to analyze the sites proposed by the Committee. The Council also asked the Committee to limit the number of potential sites to be discussed at the Public Forum.
A Public Forum was held on February 12, 2001 to discuss 5 specific potential sites for a dog park. The Council received comments and asked that the staff prepare cost estimates and present additional information related to the best size of a dog park. Attached is the memorandum prepared for that forum.
GENERAL APPROACH TO COST ESTIMATES
Start-Up Costs: Start-up costs include the cost of fencing and gates to enclose the proposed dog parks. Costs for 6-foot chain link fence are provided and include a double pedestrian entry gate system and a service vehicle access gate. Savings ranging from $2,000 to $3,100 per site could be realized by using a 4-foot fence. However, we believe that a shorter fence would not contain some larger dogs. Costs associated with clearing, grubbing and seeding areas that are currently wooded, and the costs of providing the gravel service access drive needed at Cedar Falls Park and Southern Community Park are also included.
Annual Maintenance Costs: These expenses are based on a landscape maintenance schedule including:
· General clean-up: Daily from spring through fall, 3 times a week in winter
· Mowing: Once per week from April through November
· Leaf removal: Monthly from October through December
· Turf renovation/repair: Spring and Fall
The cost estimates are based on the expected time required for the various tasks by a Groundskeeper I position. The largest maintenance cost component is the cost of routine general clean-up. Higher anticipated maintenance costs at Southern Community Park reflect the larger proposed improved area at that location. The cost estimates provided reflect the additional costs associated with dog park use; therefore, no additional mowing and leaf removal costs are included for the Community Center and Homestead Park because these areas are currently turf that we already maintain. The maintenance costs do not include anticipated costs of turf renovations that would likely be required less often than annual.
The following four project descriptions and cost estimates are based on site-specific conceptual dog park plans for the Community Center, Homestead Park, Cedar Falls Park, and Southern Community Park. Sketches showing the fencing layout at each site are attached. A summary table follows this discussion. We will develop estimates for the Meadowmont Park site later in the school/park design process.
Community Center Park
This is a 6-acre park located on Estes Drive. Park amenities include the Chapel Hill Community Center, Bolin Creek Trail terminus, Battle Branch Trail terminus, playground, picnic area, outdoor basketball, volleyball, Gene Strowd Rose Garden, Learning Garden, bocce courts, Parks & Recreation Department Administrative Offices, and a parking lot.
The proposed site for the dog park would be bordered by the rear of the Community Center building, the service drive that provides access to the rear of the Plant Road Administrative Offices, and the parks southern property line. See attachments 1A and 1B.
Project Description: The site is flat with well-spaced shade trees and turf. Most of the area drains slowly into a relatively flat swale adjacent to the swimming pool deck. Turf performance is limited by a Chapel Hill gravel based soil, poor drainage, and shade. Expansion is limited by adjacent uses. The proposed dog park includes approximately 675 linear feet of fencing enclosing an area of approximately 18,000 square feet.
Estimated Start-up Costs: We believe that start up would cost approximately $12,500. Totals include the costs of fencing, gates, signs and benches.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs: $4,800
Advantages to Community Center Site
· Not in the Resource Conservation District
· Flat
· Already mostly cleared site
· Easy access from parking lot
· Good pedestrian accessibility
· Restroom facilities present
· Central location in town
· Least expensive start-up costs
Disadvantages to Community Center Site
· Area may be too small: the site is less than 18,000 square feet in size
· The Community Center parking lot is already used beyond capacity much of the time
· Heavy use may damage existing shade trees
· There are potential noise and use conflicts with other recreation activities and facilities
· The dog park would cut off existing neighborhood pedestrian use patterns
· Area is currently used as drop-in recreation and picnic space by neighbors
· May be some neighborhood conflicts, particularly noise conflicts
· May be noise conflicts with nearby offices
Homestead Park
This is a 40-acre park located off of Homestead Road. Park amenities include 2 athletic/soccer fields, 2 ballfields, skate park, batting cage, playground, picnic area, outdoor basketball, and trails.
The site is located on the east side of the park entrance drive at the point it first enters the parking area. See attachments 2A and 2B.
Project Description: The site is flat to gently sloping and is mostly clear. A small area of existing woods is proposed to be selectively cleared. The site drains well and turf performance is satisfactory. Adjacent paved paths and a rocky vegetated slope leading down to the Booker Creek Resource Conservation District limit expansion potential. The proposed dog park site includes approximately 660 feet of fencing enclosing an area of approximately 20,000 square feet.
Estimated Start-up Costs: The Homestead Park Dog Park could be built with approximately $13,300. Totals include the costs of fencing, gates, selective clearing, landfill tipping fees, signs and benches.
Annual Maintenance Costs - $5,300
Advantages to Homestead Park Site
· Mostly flat
· Already mostly cleared
· Easy access from parking lot
· Adequate parking
· Good separation from other park uses
· Pedestrian oriented
· Restroom facilities present
· Near large population area of town
· Has a dedicated source of funds suitable for start-up costs
· Already popular dog destination
Disadvantages to Homestead Park Site
· Area may be too small: the area is approximately 20,000 square feet
· May require some removal of trees
· Heavy use may damage existing trees
· The site is the only un-programmed parcel of cleared open space available in the park
· Proximity to the stream could add fecal matter to the waterway
Cedar Falls Park
This is a 70-acre park located off of Weaver Dairy Road. Park amenities include 4 ballfields, 6 tennis courts, playground, picnic area, and trails.
The site would be located immediately south of the ballfield complex. See attachments 3A and 3B.
Project Description: The site is moderately sloping and is mostly wooded. This site would require significant clearing, grubbing and seeding. Considerable drainage from the adjacent ballfields currently crosses the site. Turf performance and/or erosion may be problematic due to this drainage pattern. Expansion is limited by adjacent uses and an intermittent stream below the proposed enclosed area. The proposed dog park includes approximately 700 feet of fencing enclosing an area of approximately 25,000 square feet.
Estimated Start-up Costs: We would need to budget about $24,800. Totals include the costs of fencing, gates, clearing, grubbing, seeding, landfill tipping fees, gravel service access drive, signs and benches.
Annual Maintenance Costs - $7,000
Advantages to Cedar Falls Park Site
· Not in the Resource Conservation District
· Adequate parking
· Good access to potential dog park areas by using existing trails
· Relatively flat
· Already a popular dog destination
· Located adjacent to major population center
· Restroom facilities present
· Space for at least a one acre dog park area
Disadvantages to Cedar Falls Park Site
· Area may be too small: there would be room for about 25,000 square feet.
· Traditionally managed as the Town’s largest upland, wooded open space. Conversion to dog park would require removal of trees.
· Heavy use may damage existing trees
· Anticipate some drainage issues
· Anticipate some turf growth/maintenance issues
· Potential conflicts between trail users and dogs traveling to the dog park
· Potential neighborhood conflicts, particularly noise conflicts
· Research indicates that open areas work better than wooded areas
Southern Community Park
This is a 70-acre site located on the west side of 15-501 just south of Southern Village. It is completely wooded. The conceptual plan committee has just started its work.
A permanent site has not yet been identified. A possible temporary site has been located just south of the Southern Village park and ride lot. See attachments 4A and 4B.
Project Description: The temporary site is flat to gently sloping and is entirely wooded. Most of the area is composed of 6 – 12 inch pines that were extensively damaged by Hurricane Fran. Approximately 40,000 square feet of wooded area is proposed to be cleared, grubbed and seeded. In general, the site drains well and turf performance is likely to be satisfactory. This is the largest site making relocation and expansion a possibility. The generally rectangular shape of the proposed enclosure results in more enclosed area per linear foot of fencing than the more irregular shaped enclosed areas at other sites. The proposed dog park includes approximately 1,030 feet of fencing enclosing an area of approximately 63,000 square feet.
Estimated Start-up Costs: We estimate that $43,400 would be required. Totals include the costs of fencing, gates, clearing, grubbing, seeding, landfill tipping fees, gravel service access drive, signs and benches.
Annual Maintenance Costs - $11,700
Advantages to Southern Community Park Site
· Greatest degree of latitude in siting a future dog park
· Not in the Resource Conservation District
· Some flat areas
· Potentially easy access from the park and ride lot
· Restroom facilities will likely be programmed
· Demonstrated demand in southern area of town (e.g., Merritt Pasture)
· Could be set up as a temporary facility until such time as full park development is planned
Disadvantages to Southern Community Park Site
· A dog park would take land that could be programmed for other uses
· Most expensive estimated start up and maintenance costs
· If a temporary park is built the Town would have additional expenses to move the facility to a permanent location
Meadowmont Park
This is a future 70-acre park site that is currently proposed to be adjacent to a new elementary school. The entire park site is located in the Resource Conservation District. A portion of the school site reserved for recreation facilities is outside the Resource Conservation District. The majority of the park site is also located within the US Army Corp of Engineers flowage easement for the Jordan Lake project.
Project Description: No specific location has been identified for a potential dog park at Meadowmont, so a site specific cost estimate has not yet been developed. We are currently working with the Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools and the Meadowmont developer to determine the best location for the park and school amenities required by the Special Use Permit. We should soon be able to recommend a more specific location for a dog park at Meadowmont, probably in place of an athletic field on the school property. The cost would depend upon the size of the proposed area to be improved. An application to modify the SUP is expected to be submitted this spring, and the Council in, its role as Owner, will review and approve the plans before they are submitted.
Advantages to Meadowmont Park Site
· Some flat areas
· Restroom facilities are planned as part of overall park construction
· Good pedestrian accessibility
· Future population center
Disadvantages to Meadowmont Park Site
· A dog park would take land that could be programmed for other uses such as athletic/soccer fields
· There are potential noise and use conflicts with the future school and other recreation activities/facilities. School officials have indicated that they do not want a dog park on the site.
· May be some neighborhood conflicts, particularly noise conflicts because of lack of room for adequate buffers
· Much of the site is in the Resource Conservation District and the Army Corp Flowage Easement. Fencing cannot be placed within the RCD or the Flowage Easement.
SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL DOG PARK SITES AND ESTIMATED COSTS
SITE PROPOSED SIZE COST ESTIMATE ANNUAL COSTS
LOCATION (in square feet) (START-UP) (MAINTENANCE)
Community Center 18,000 $12,500 $4,800
Homestead Park 20,000 $13,300 $5,300
Cedar Falls Park 25,000 $24,800 $7,000
Southern Community Park 63,000 $43,400 $11,700
Meadowmont Park To be determined To be determined To be determined
Budget Concerns: We believe that a decision about development of a dog park should be considered as part of the capital and operating budget process and in light of the Town’s current budget limitations.
If the Council wishes to build a small park for dogs at Homestead Park, it could use $14,000 of the funds already allocated for Homestead Park. We believe that the work remaining on that project budget, such as entrance and interior signs, parking pads, changes to the electric controls of the lights, etc, would allow this sum to be spent on a dog park. Council has indicated that all funds remaining from the park project budget would be allocated to the aquatic center at Homestead Park.
It is possible that the Southern Community Park site could be funded using some of the remaining funds from the 1997 Orange County bond, which the County Commissioners have approved for use in developing the master plan and building the first phase.
We believe that all other sites would have to be funded through the regular Capital Improvements Program budget. The Manager’s status report on that program will be presented on March 28.
SIZE OF DOG PARKS
The Council asked us to explain in greater detail why we support the concept of a larger park for dogs. Despite the added cost we continue to believe that the ideal dog park should be 1-5 acres in size. While there are successful examples of dog parks of less than an acre in size we believe that a larger park for dogs would provide the following benefits:
Provide More Social Space: Many dog owners who once used the Merritt Pasture to exercise their animals pointed out that the size of the pasture allowed more animals to exercise and socialize. Frequently there would be more than 20 dogs using Merritt Pasture at any particular time. We noted that many of these dogs were larger animals that are difficult to properly exercise in backyard environments.
We believe that too many dogs in too small a space may lead to conflicts among animals and could potentially lead to injuries to both dogs and their handlers. We have spoken to dog park operators and reviewed the available literature related to development of dog parks. We have determined that most dog park operators and users around the nation recommend parks of at least 1 acre in size if at all possible.
Maintenance and Shut Down Issues: Too many dogs in too small a space would likely require more frequent turf maintenance over time. The above annual cost estimates are for maintenance and repair costs in an average year. However we believe that turf replacement in small parks could become a regular maintenance issue, especially in the more shaded sites. We know from experience at our ballfields and athletic/soccer fields that the public is generally not supportive of lengthy maintenance shutdowns even when it is essential to maintain the facility.
Please see Attachments 14 and 15, are from dog park publications produced by the National Parks & Recreation Association and the American Kennel Club.
We believe that the dog park project should be evaluated as part of the Town’s complete Capital Improvement Program budget.
If the Council wishes to pursue development of a dog park of less than 1 acre we believe that Homestead Park has the best site. It is already cleared, has few potential conflicts with other users, the greatest separation from nearby residents, and has adequate parking immediately adjacent to the site. It also has a potential source of funding that could be used at any time.
We believe that the best solution may be to wait until the Southern Community Park site is ready for development. This site may have the potential to be developed as the best dog park site for the following reasons:
· Because the park is in the early stages of planning we could locate the facility in a logical place that would work well with surrounding neighborhood uses, other park elements, parking, pedestrian flow, and with consideration of environmental constraints.
· The overall site is large enough to provide a dog park of 1 acre or more in size.
Manager’s Recommendation: That the Council consider this project in relation to the total amount of all funds available in the Capital Improvements Program budget.
We also recommend that the Council consider the Southern Community Park as the best potential site for a dog park and that the Council adopt the attached Resolution A that would direct the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee to include a dog park, one acre or larger in size, in its final recommended concept plan.
If the Council wants to build a dog park in FY 2001-02 we recommend adoption of Resolution B that would authorize the Manager to use $14,000 from the Homestead Park project budget for the proposed Homestead Park Dog Park.
Alternatively, the Council could modify Resolution B to specify a different location. If the Council chooses another location, the project would require funding from some other source such as the Capital Improvements Program budget.
1. Attachments 1A through 4B: Sketches showing the proposed sites (p. 12).
2. Attachments 5-10: E-mail responses received after the February 12 Public Forum (p. 20).
3. Attachment 11: Lake Forest Garden Club comments (p. 26).
4. Attachment 12: Charles McClaskey comments (p. 27).
5. Attachment 13: February 12, 2001 memorandum prepared for the public forum (p. 28).
6. Attachment 14: Dog Park publication by the National Parks & Recreation Association (p. 44).
7. Attachment 15: Dog Park publication by the American Kennel Club (p. 47).
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE SOUTHERN COMMUNITY PARK CONCEPTUAL PLAN COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE A DOG PARK OF AT LEAST 1 ACRE IN SIZE IN ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS (2001-03-26/R-7a)
WHEREAS, the Council has appointed a Dog Park Committee to study the possibility of building dog parks in the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Committee has recommended that the Council consider 5 potential sites; and
WHEREAS, one of the proposed sites is the proposed Southern Community Park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council that the Southern Community Park Conceptual Plan Committee is directed to include a dog park of at least 1 acre in size in its final recommendations for the proposed Southern Community Park
This the 26th day of March, 2001.
RESOLUTION B
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MANAGER TO CONSTRUCT A DOG PARK AT HOMESTEAD PARK (2001-03-26/R-7b)
WHEREAS, the Council has appointed a Dog Park Committee to study the possibility of building dog parks in the Town; and
WHEREAS, the Committee has recommended that the Council consider 5 potential sites; and
WHEREAS, one of the proposed sites is Homestead Park; and
WHEREAS, sufficient funds remain in the Homestead Park project budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council that the Manager is authorized to build a dog park of approximately 20,000 square feet at Homestead Park utilized existing 1996 Parks bonds allocated for the Homestead Park project.
This the 26th day of March, 2001.