Dog owners in Lake Country have been wondering where to take their four-legged furry family members for an off-leash run and some socializing since the Woodsdale Road off-leash park closure was announced in September.
The Woodsdale dog park was closed mid-October when the fencing was removed. Council heard from a number of dog owners during the public comment portion of the council meeting on Nov. 1, and arrangements have been made for modu-loc temporary fencing to be set up on the naturalized parkland north east of the Woodsdale Tennis Courts for temporary use as an off-leash dog park.
Installation of temporary fencing on the parkland near the tennis courts is planned for this week.
While work has been ongoing to prepare a five-acre parkland site on Cemetery Road to become the new long-term, off-leash dog park, the time constraints with weather and cost for site works including water, parking and fencing, are straining the patience of those passionate about having a public off-leash dog park in the interim. A budget request for funding the site works is included in the 2017 budget process with the first special council meeting to consider the proposals scheduled for Nov. 29. The meeting is open to the public.
“Within the Parks and Recreation Master Planning process we have heard from dog owners and other interest groups that would like more public amenities developed,” said Greg Buchholz, Director of Infrastructure Services.
“In addition to the Cemetery Road parkland property, we’ve identified some areas for potential use as dog beaches as well. The Parks and Recreation Master Plan process is still ongoing and a balance between the many desired uses of public parkland is crucial for the long term benefit of our growing community.”
As good neighbours, dog owners are reminded to consider the residents and parkland users in the area of the temporary site by keeping dogs on leash under their control and care while accessing the park and by picking up and disposing of waste.