Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 11/18/2021

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Commissioner Sis noted that was part of the discussion when the dog park was expanded. He agreed that the Commission could further discuss whether the areas should be marked with signage or whether a third area is created for small dogs. Councilmember Heineman stated that perhaps if a third area is added, the fence could be lowered to discourage larger dogs from going into that area. He noted that another option would be to split the second area to add the space for smaller dogs. He stated that as an owner of a larger breed dog, he would be discouraged to bring them into an area with a smaller fence as they could jump out. Chair Bennett stated that the Commission could also review what is being done in other communities. Commissioner Walker asked if the areas could simply be designated, one for small dogs and one for large dogs in order to solve the problem while the Commission further discusses the issue. Commissioner Sis asked if there is an external gate on the second area to allow access/exit. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that there are multiple gates to allow access and exit. He stated that a third dog park is schedule in the CIP to be considered in November and agreed that smaller fencing could help to prevent large dogs from going into a small dog area. He stated that unfortunately there will always people that do not follow the rules. He stated that perhaps having the small dog park closer to the downtown area, as apartment dwellers are more likely to have small dogs. He stated that the leash law in Ramsey does not say your dog must be on a leash, only that you must have control over your dog. He stated that someone must still have control of their animal, even if using the off -leash area. Chair Bennett commented that if the third off -leash area is going to be reviewed at the next meeting, perhaps the current structure is reviewed as well in order to reevaluate that segregation. He stated that he wants to understand entry and exit in the other areas in addition to the main entrance/exit area. Councilmember Heineman stated that signage would be a benefit. He stated that perhaps a low- cost solution for the time being would be to install signage and have lower gates as that should be enough to discourage large dog owners from letting their dog into that area. Ms. Hassis stated that in the dog parks in other communities the fencing is all the same height with one gate for the large dog area and one gate for the small dog area and then signage. She stated that most people are aware of the weight of their dogs and follow the signs. She stated that the signage should be sufficient. Commissioner Sis stated that perhaps they start with signage to divide the two areas between dog size. He stated that he would not include a weight as a large dog can be timid. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that staff could do that. He noted that the resident that requested the second area has a timid dog and expressed that the need was for an area for more timid dogs. Park and Recreation Commission/October 14, 2021 Page 2 of 9