The City Commission approved a resolution increasing the scope and budget for the Firefighters Park Dog Park Improvements project by $100,000 and authorized a related budget amendment. Staff said the increase will be used in part to supplement a $50,000 grant previously awarded for the project and to add immediate improvements residents requested, chiefly shade and more seating.

Why this matters: Users told commissioners they consider the Margate dog park one of the best maintained in the area but repeatedly asked for more shade and seating. City staff and commissioners agreed that planting trees will help long-term but that cost-effective, near-term shade solutions are a priority.

What commissioners said: Commissioner Simone and others described regular user feedback and supported volunteer input from commissioners and park regulars to tailor improvements. Anne Blatt, who identified herself as a daily dog-park user, urged the commission to emphasize shade for benches and said temporary shade elements should be prioritized while planted trees mature.

Funding and next steps: Staff said the city will use the $50,000 grant in combination with the newly authorized $100,000 increase to move forward. The resolution passed on a roll call vote. Staff and commissioners indicated they will work with the parks and recreation director and stakeholders on design details and installation schedules.