Project Summary – Kootenai County, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Dog Park
Background: Establishing a dog park was set as a priority in the City of Coeur d’Alene Master Plan. In response, the Kootenai County Commissioners approved use of a seven acre parcel, east of Ramsey Road. An additional four acres has been targeted on the east side of this property at the City’s compost facility for a new animal shelter. The Kootenai Humane Society is organizing that effort. Given the current economy, however, the cost would be too prohibitive to add a road and utilities at the Ramsey location.
The Response: To fill the void, in late 2008, a citizens group was formed (The Kootenai County Dog Park Association) to explore other means for meeting what, nevertheless, remains as a compelling public need in the community.
Current Status: All planning, governmental processes (except for final Coeur d’ Alene City Council Approval) and many other steps have been completed, including:
¢ Designation of site (Adjacent to Northshire Park – Atlas Road & Nez Perce)
¢ Approval by School District 271 to use its property adjacent to Northshire Park
¢ CITY of CDA and School District 271 entered into a joint use agreement that is renewable every year for three years to use the school district site
¢ Site plan for a 2 acre dog park, including fencing, irrigation and amenities
¢ Public input
¢ Budget of $54,000 for completion
¢ Commitments for materials and services in kind valued at $30,000
¢ IRS Code 501(c)(3) Eligibility – (For charitable donations)
¢ Monetary donations and pledges (approximately $14,340 as of April, 2010)
Funding Requirement: An additional $10,000 is needed to obtain final CDA City Council approval and to commence installation of the park in summer, 2010. Beyond that, there will be ongoing funding needs to install future upgrades and conduct routine maintenance.
Dog Park Project Description
Outlined here are the major features of the planned two acre off leash dog park.
Parking: There is off-street parking already in place at Northshire Park. Additional, on-street parking is available, as well.
Fencing: The park area will be completely fenced with wire mesh. An existing Northshire Park fence will take care of the southern boundary, and the remainder will consist of a six foot fence to envelop the entire park. Doug Eastwood, Director of the Coeur d’Alene Parks Department, has committed sufficient wire mesh from an existing stockpile, but, posts and labor for installation will have to be supplied.
Entry: Access to the park will be from the south through Northshire Park. Entry will consist of a double gate arrangement providing space for dogs to be unleashed and acclimated before entering the main park. This section will be covered with gravel. A second gate will provide grounds keeping access from the north.
Ground Cover: Current plans call for the outer perimeter to remain in a natural state. A gravel covered pathway will encircle the main play area, which will be hydro-seeded, to be consistent with existing grass cover at Northshire.
Irrigation: Water will be sourced through hookup with existing irrigation available in Northshire. There will be two watering stations for dogs. Sprinklers will be installed.
Cleanup: Four waste stations will be provided with scoopers, rakes, plastic bags and disposal cans.
For Humans: There will be an appropriate number of tables and benches for owners and visitors.
Trees: The CDA Parks Department will contribute trees and there have been pledges of trees from the community.
Tags: coeur d'alene idaho, dog owners, Dog Park, kootenai county idaho, off leash dog parkApril 09 2010 07:51 am
