Lynchburg considers proposal for first public dog park

A new plan endorsed by Parks & Recreation calls for the development of a public dog park, a first for the city.

The proposal, formed after 18 months of study, suggests an off-leash park could be added to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area near Lynchburg College with relative ease.

No sanctioned off-leash sites currently exist within the city, although they have often been requested, according to park officials.

The city hopes to capitalize on that public demand by relying on the community to drive — and, more importantly, fund — the recommended project.

A new report dubbed the Dog Park Feasibility Study advocates using community donations and

volunteer labor to build and police the envisioned dog park.

The city would supply the land and partner with volunteers to cover recurring maintenance costs, but should not otherwise bear any part of the financial burden, according to the study, which was carried out by a committee of city staffers and community residents.

The dog park plan will need the endorsement of City Council to move forward. A presentation has been planned for late October, and a community meeting will be convened prior to that to gather public feedback.

The proposal submitted for consideration calls for the creation of a pilot dog park in the Blackwater Creek Natural Area.

The park, which would offer separate areas for large and small dogs, would be placed on a currently empty field just off the Monticello Avenue entrance, opposite the facility’s lone athletic field.

The site would be fenced in and span close to an acre in area. It would not affect potential future improvements to the neighboring park land, officials said.

It’s recommended the city pay for half of the annual maintenance costs, which are loosely projected to be $4,000, making the total government investment an estimated $2,000 a year.

The cost of building the park itself would be raised by a special community advocacy group.

It’s estimated the initial infrastructure — including a fence and pet waste stations — will cost around $27,500.

Additional improvements, including benches and play equipment, would come later as fundraising efforts progressed. The Blackwater Creek Natural Area, which officials have described as underutilized, already provides a parking lot and rest rooms.

“We think this is a really good start,” said dog park committee chairwoman Niro Rasanayagam, stressing the minimal cost to the city. “This is a space that’s just sitting there, not being used, and we can make it into something attractive. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

If the pilot succeeds, officials said they’d entertain proposals for additional parks in other areas of the city.

“So far, we’ve had a lot of interest, and I think we have a good base to draw on for volunteers,” said Andy Reeder, city parks manager. “But it will all be in the hands of the dog park advocacy group to raise money and make things happen.”

In addition to fundraising, the advocacy group will also be responsible for staffing the site and ensuring compliance with all rules.

The park intends to require all dogs to be licensed and have proof of rabies vaccination. Aggressive dogs will not be allowed, and owners will be required to pick up after their pets.

The dog park committee was formed in April 2007 in response to a growing community interest in having such a facility.

Members questioned other communities with dog parks, vetted potential sites and gathered public feedback through a survey that drew 265 responses.

Of those respondents, 95 percent expressed support for the project. The survey was open to all community members, and is not a statistically valid reflection of the general public’s opinion.

DOG PARK MEETING- City officials will outline the recommendations of the Dog Park Feasibility Study and take public comments from 5 to 7 p.m., Oct. 9, in the Miller Center, 301 Grove St.