and Location Options In response to public interest, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has developed some criteria and supported a final location for an off-leash dog park. Develop Draft Criteria, and Location Options The Process Community Feedback to Draft (Multiple opportunities incl. On-line survey, Open House) Evaluate Feedback Review Criteria and Location Options Council considers public input and decides on final criteria and preferred locations. We are here! Council reviews the information and decides next steps
The criteria were established by looking at the experience of other communities in the development of off-leash parks and considering public input to a public process held in 2014. There are some common ideas for key criteria; Size 2.0 to 5 acres is preferred. A well designed 1.5 acre park can be considered. (For reference note that 2 acres is about 300 feet by 300 feet.) Proximity Careful consideration of distance from residences (Rules vary in municipalities from 30 to 120 metres) Main gate and parking located for minimal impact on residences Careful consideration of proximity to schools and playgrounds (Rules vary in municipalities). Setback 15 metres from environmentally sensitive areas such as streams, and ponds. Fencing Fencing at least 1.2 metres high and the entire off-leash area should be fenced Double gated entry provides a safe place for people to leash or unleash their dogs before leaving and entering the park. Parking Ensure adequate off-street parking sensitively located in consideration of neighbours. Consider the personal safety of parks users through location, lighting, etc.
Organization The dog park must have an organized dog owners group associated with it that will take some responsibility for maintenance, friendly policing, helping to solve problems, and cost share for park amenities and development. The dog owners group should be self organized and operated (with some initial support and direction from the Town). The group should be in place prior to development of the park. A minimum membership of at least 10 is encouraged so that a broad spectrum of dog owners is represented, and there is a wide base of active participation. It may be required for the dog owners group to fundraise prior to development of the dog park in order to partially contribute to the amenities needed for a dog park. This would help defray the costs to the overall community for dog related recreation. It is important that people interested in a dog park actively participate in operations and development. Amenities Low cost options will be favoured over high cost alternatives The off-leash dog park must initially have; o Dog waste disposal (bags and bag dispensers),waste receptacles, Posted signage of Rules and Regulations, Durable, well drained and dust free surface at the entrance (high traffic area), Access for maintenance The development of the off leash dog park in the future should consider the following (in conjunction with fundraising by the Dog Park Group); o Drinking water source for the dogs, Separate fenced off area for small and old dogs, Benches, Tables and picnic tables, Paths for walking, Landscaping and trees (shade)
Regulations Rules and Regulations must be clearly posted at all entrances and should include; Hours of operation (9 AM to 9 PM) Emergency phone numbers Park users and dog owners assume all risk and responsibility related to dog park usage Dogs must be on leash at all times unless inside the fenced and gated area All dogs must be registered with the Town and licensed Poop and scoop is required and mandatory of all dog owners Dogs must be under the control and supervision of their owner at all times. No aggressive dogs are allowed. A dog owner must promptly leash and remove their dog if it causes confrontation with other dogs or owners. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted in the off-leash area. Close supervision of all children is required. No bicycles, rollerblades, or skateboards, are allowed. No food is allowed.
Location (End of Cherrywood Drive)