Half-acre dog park proposed near US 80; board and staff flag traffic, parking, and drainage concerns
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Summary
Parks staff proposed a half-acre dog park next to U.S. 80 and the stadium with an estimated cost of about $267,000; board members raised safety, event parking, noise and drainage concerns and suggested alternative city-owned sites for consideration.
Parks staff presented a proposed half-acre dog park site adjacent to U.S. 80 and the stadium and outlined design elements, risks and an estimated construction cost around $267,000.
Sherry Davis, presenting staff analysis, said the site could be a quick, affordable neighborhood amenity but that success depends on design, safety and coordination with stadium events. Staff listed risks including traffic and safety because of proximity to a high-speed highway, parking congestion on game days, noise and lighting impacts on neighbors, maintenance costs, liability for dog injuries or escapes, and environmental drainage concerns.
Design recommendations included 6–8 foot fencing with dig guards and a double-gate entry, a 15–30 foot landscaping buffer along U.S. 80, durable surfacing to mitigate mud, waste stations, water fountains, shaded seating and clear signage and rules.
Board members and presenters discussed alternatives. One board member suggested a 2.5-acre city-owned parcel near Rockwall and Bryn Church of Christ (across from First United Methodist) as a more suitable site. Another board member noted Crossroads plans already include a community dog park in future design work. Staff recommended treating the proposed site as a pilot project and said public input, traffic and safety analysis and budgeting should be next steps.
No final decision was made; staff said they would convey the board's feedback to the city council for further consideration.