Agenda Item
14.A) A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO IDENTIFY A PREFERRED SITE, OBTAIN NECESSARY SURVEYS AND ENGINEERING, AND ISSUE AN INVITATION TO BID FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A DESIGNATED FENCED OFF-LEASH DOG AREA (“BARK ZONE”) ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE CANAL AT CORAL REEF PARK; AUTHORIZING THE USE OF SMALL PURCHASE PROCEDURES FOR SURVEY AND SITE ASSESSMENT SERVICES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer)
I support the proposed dog park provided that its construction and ongoing maintenance can be accomplished without reducing funding for public safety or other essential community services.
More residents are bringing dogs to the park, and those dogs are often allowed off leash even though their leashes remain attached. A designated, fenced dog park would provide an appropriate place for dogs and their owners while helping preserve the primary uses of the rest of the park. The proposed location near the Farmers Market area seems particularly suitable because it is separated from the sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas that many families use.
A dog park would give responsible pet owners a safe place to exercise and socialize their dogs while helping reduce conflicts between different park activities. By concentrating dog activity in one designated area, the park can better serve everyone in the community.
I would like to express my concerns in person but I am out of town. I understand the Perrine Wayside park may not be convenient for ALL residents, but I oppose this resolution for a variety of reasons.
1.Most importantly, with the uncertainty of the future of property taxes, I don't think it would be fiscally responsible to fund a project that doesn't serve all residents, regardless of where the funds are coming from. We already have a dedicated dog park, this is not the time to allocate funds to something we already have.
2.As someone who frequently walks at Coral Reef park in the late afternoon, I value the shade, the peacefulness and the safe walking path the eastern area of the park provides. If removing trees is necessary to make room for a dog park then we will lose the shade so desperately needed.
3.A dog park will require additional maintenance which will affect the Village budget. Furthermore, a dog park in a very shaded area will turn into a mud pit. As we know from the recent downpours, the east area of the park is subject to flooding.
4.Parking is already a challenge, especially when games are being played on all the fields. Dog owners will have to park wherever they can find a space, then walk their dog to the dog park. How will staff enforce the “no dogs allowed on the athletic fields side” of the park from those trying to get to the dog park? The only parking lot on SW 77 Avenue is frequently overflowing with cars parked illegally.
Thank you.