DATE: August 25, 2017 TO: THRU: TOWN OF JUPITER Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council Lori Bonino, Interim Town Manager LB FROM: Stephanie A. Thoburn, Asst. Director of Planning and Zoning SUBJECT: CINQUEZ PARK OPEN SPACE Presentation of concepts for the playground and treehouse, name of the open space property, and finalize the rules of the dog park and open space property. HEARING DATES: TC 09/07/17 Roundtable SAT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Discussion of the Cinquez Park Open Space property to finalize the rules of the dog park and open space, approve the name of the open space property, and present conceptual ideas for the proposed playground and treehouse. Rules of Dog Park and Open Space: The proposed open space property is under construction and is planned to open in early 2018 (see Attachment A- Final Site Plan). As the Town moves forward, it is necessary to finalize the dog park rules for the entire 13 acre property. The rules were originally presented to Town Council on November 3, 2015 and are provided in Attachment B- Dog Park Rules. One of the proposed rules in the park and open space would require that visitors with dogs maintain their animals on a leash when not inside the dog park enclosure. This is due to the variety of uses proposed on the site (playground, treehouse, natural area, walking paths, dog park) and the potential for conflicts with dogs off leash which has increased over the years according to Code Compliance. One item that has surfaced is that dogs are typically prohibited in Town parks, and the Town Code allows animals to be under voice command (not on a leash) (see Attachment C- Palm Beach County and Town Code leash law). Because the Town Code is inconsistent with the proposed dog park rules, the enforcement of the rules by staff would be difficult making the dog park rule ineffective. Staff is requesting direction to initiate a code text change to make the Town s code consistent with Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County s code states generally that dogs must be restrained by leash, crate, vehicle, etc. when off the owner s property unless the dog is in service, used by law enforcement or in a public space designated to have a dog off leash such as in a dog park or on a public beach where dogs are permitted (see Attachment C- Palm Beach County and Town Code leash law). By adopting Palm Beach County s leash law, the proposed dog park rules will be enforceable. Name of Park and Open Space: The Town s Facility Naming Policy dictates that a new Town-owned park or facility should be named based on location, function and/or historical reference, and that if there is no name that adequately describes the facility based on those criteria, suggestions from future occupants and/or from the public are appropriate for determining a name. In late 2013 and early 2014, the Town solicited public input for naming three parks. What are now known as Abacoa Community Park and the Plaza Down Under on the Riverwalk were named in subsequent meetings, and direction was given to wait to name the open space property at Cinquez Park until it was ready to be open. The public input process involved Jupiter residents voluntarily completing surveys available both online and in physical form, and at the 2014 Jupiter Jubilee to provide input. The frequently-suggested names for the open space at Cinquez Park resulted from public solicitation were as follows: Cinquez Park Cinquez Lake Park Jupiter Central Park and Center Lake Park In late 2014, staff received naming suggestions from Town Council, which were as follows: The Tree Banyan Tree Park
Banyan Central Park Jupiter Central Park Additionally, Town staff reached out to the surrounding neighborhoods during the summer of 2017 to obtain their input for naming Cinquez Park. The overwhelming response from the surrounding neighborhoods was to keep the name as Cinquez Park. History of a name The Cinquez Park neighborhood was originally owned and platted by Peter J. Yancy in 1946, an educated and wealthy African American man. It is purported that he named the roads on the plat based on significant African American history. This area was historically known for African American homesteads, and the majority of the subject property was originally designed as the park for the neighborhood. Staff confirmed through aerials and interviews that over the years the property was historically used for agriculture, an auto repair shop, and the location of the Rocket Club, an African American bar. Later, after two Banyan trees were planted in front of the Rocket Club the area became known for the notoriety of The Tree. Considering the variety of input, the historical context of the park and open, staff recommends naming the park Cinquez Park. In addition, a name is needed to be able to order the sign in time for the opening. Given the park s large area and various uses, staff also recommends naming different sections of the park (such as the Banyan tree that will include a treehouse, the dog park, the lake area, the natural area, etc.) to add a level of specificity and personalization while preserving the historic reference to African American history with the broader name for the park. In this way, sections of the park could become, for example, The Tree at Cinquez Park, Bark Park at Cinquez Park, and so on. Conceptual Ideas for Playground and Treehouse: As the majority of the property is under construction, staff has been working on conceptual ideas for the final phase of the Town s signature park which will include a playground and treehouse. Recreation and Planning staff has been working with 2GHO (Emily O Mahoney) to develop ideas in order to share and generate interest from the community since partial funding of this last phase is proposed in the 2018 Community Investment Program (CIP) to be by private contributions. The concept for the playground and treehouse would be to embrace the natural aspects of the Town s open space property by creating a playground with natural elements and constructing a treehouse in and around the large Banyan tree. The goal is to integrate a barrier free playground (or play garden) with the treehouse and Banyan tree into one overall experience that is fun and safe. The playground and treehouse is envisioned to be a series of outdoor rooms or play zones in which different age groups can meander and explore. The treehouse will be designed to provide accessibility for the disabled with alternate access through staircases and bridging so that the treehouse structure does not negatively impact the tree, allowing for growth and maintenance (see Attachment D- Treehouse sketches by staff). The outdoor rooms would be defined by the ramping that lead to the treehouse, earth shaping or mounding, landscaping, boulders, etc. as depicted in Attachment E- Conceptual Playground Structures. At this early stage of design development, staff is requesting input from Town Council that the ideas presented are headed in the right direction. If so, staff will continue with detailing the designs and bring back more specific plans and elevations for review and approval by the Town Council. Town Council Direction Requested: Staff is seeking feedback on: 1) Initiating a Town Code text change on the leash law consistent with Palm Beach County; 2) Maintaining the existing name of Cinquez Park; and 3) The conceptual ideas for the treehouse and playground. Strategic Priority: Unique, Small Town Feel Attachments: Attachment A- Final Site plan Attachment C- PBC and Town Code leash law Attachment E- Conceptual Playground Structures Attachment B- Proposed Dog Park rules Attachment D- Treehouse plan and sketches by staff
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT B Rules and Regulations for Town of Jupiter Cinquez Park Dog Park These Rules and regulations have been developed based on research of other area dog parks. Park Hours: Open daily 7:30AM-Sunset; opening time may change on certain days due to need for maintenance Gates unlocked by Parks staff by 7:30AM; locked by Recreation staff after sunset and by 10PM Notice: Be advised that the dog park is an unsupervised recreational area of the Town of Jupiter s Recreation and Parks & Public Works Departments. Use of the Dog Park is at your own risk. Dog owners are responsible for, and liable with respect to the actions of their dogs and any damage to person or property caused by same. Dogs and their owners who violate these rules are subject to removal from the park and possible suspension of the right to utilize the park. The Town of Jupiter reserves the right to refuse entry to dogs and/or their owners into Cinquez Park Dog Park for the reasons of health, safety and prior offenses or for the comfort of all patrons and/or their pets. The park is for everyone. Please have fun, be safe and be courteous to your neighbors and their dogs. Park Rules (to be posted at entrance): Persons in violation of these rules are subject to removal from the park and/or suspension The Dog Park is a smoke free zone; smoking is not permitted within the fenced areas Small to Medium Dog Section- Dogs weighing less than 30lb; Large Dog Section- Dogs weighing 30+lb Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the enclosed dog park areas and must be restrained at all times at a distance no greater than six feet in length from their handler Dogs should be under voice control (i.e., come when called) when inside the enclosed areas Handlers must carry a leash at all times and remain in the enclosed dog park area in full view of your dog Handlers must be 16 years of age or older; children must be accompanied by and closely supervised by an adult Dogs must be vaccinated and display current licenses on their collar at all times Dog feces must be cleaned up by the handler; disposable bags and garbage cans are located at the dog park entrance Dogs must be removed from the park at the first sign of aggression; dangerous dogs, as defined in Palm Beach County Ordinance No. 98-22, the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Ordinance, are prohibited from park property There is a limit of 2 dogs per handler For safety reasons, puppies under 4 months old, female dogs in heat and sick dogs are prohibited in the dog park; spayed/neutered dogs are recommended
No food, treats, alcoholic beverages (soft drinks and water are allowed), glass bottles, strollers, bicycles, or children s toys are allowed inside the enclosed dog park areas; this is a recreational park for dogs accompanied by their owners Please be advised, dogs can over heat quickly in the Florida sun; keep your dog from overheating by interrupting play periodically and consider hosing them down or going in to the shade for a while; be sure to keep your dog hydrated Professional dog trainers are not permitted to use this facility for training Use of this facility shall be for a dog park; any other use is prohibited Dog toys, leashes, etc. left in the park will be disposed of at the end of the day The Town of Jupiter reserves the right to close any portion of the park for repairs and maintenance All incidents and injuries must be reported to the Jupiter Police Department at 561-799-4445 Additional signs to be posted throughout the park: No Trespassing (include ordinance) No parking after dark Signs referencing dog leash law Dog Crossing signs
Attachment C: Palm Beach County and Town Code Leash Law Palm Beach County Code Sec. 4-4. - Dog and cat control. (a) Dogs. It shall be unlawful for any dog to be off the owners property (which property is exclusive to the owner) unless the dog is under the restraint or control of a person by means of a leash or other device such as a cage, crate or vehicle in accordance with section 4-24, Animal care; manner of keeping. Dogs shall be exempted from the provisions of this subsection when: (1) Being used by law enforcement to perform law enforcement services; (2) Performing services as a service animal, when necessary to be off leash to perform such services; (3) Within a public space designated for dogs to be off-leash such as a dog park or public beach that allows dogs, provided the handler adheres to all rules instituted for such space; or (4) Engaged in herding, hunting, registered field trials, obedience trials or an American Kennel Club or other similarly recognized show or competition. Sec. 4-33. Leash law. (a) It shall be unlawful for any dog to be off the owners property unless the dog is under the restraint or control of a person by means of a chain, leash or other device or is sufficiently near his handler to be under his direct control and is obedient to that handlers commands, or is caged/crated. (b) It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to tie chain or tether a dog on the owners property in such a manner that the dog has access to public property or the property of another without the consent of the owner of such property. Town of Jupiter Code Sec. 5-47. Leash law and presumptions. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person who is the owner, keeper or harborer of any dog, cat, household pet or other animal to permit or allow such animal to be off such person s private property, unless such animal is under the restraint or control of a competent person, by means of a chain, leash, cage or other device, or is sufficiently near its handler to be under his direct control and is obedient to that handler s commands.
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ATTACHMENT E