Jacksonville dog park plan in limbo

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JACKSONVILLE — Backers of a proposed dog park adjacent to the city limits were asked to come back with a more detailed proposal after their presentation Wednesday to the city's Parks, Recreation and Visitor's Services Committee.

Efforts to find a site within city limits for a dog park have been unsuccessful for several years.

When park supporter Ellee Celler mentioned the need to Ashland businessman Alan DeBoer, he offered the use of an acre of land he owns next to city tennis courts and a play area at East D Street and Beverley Way.

Celler told the committee she is looking for little city money.

"It's very minimal city involvement, but the water would have to come from the city," Celler said. "We don't expect the city to pay for the fence. We plan to do fundraising to support the park."

Cows are on the site, but one acre would be fenced off under a licensing agreement.

"We will have an agreement. I don't think they can afford to pay much of anything," said DeBoer. "I told the city administrator I'd be happy to work with them."

Several committee members raised concerns about city involvement on land that is not within city limits. "I see that everyone is pretty much in favor of the dog park," said committee Chairman Chris Gilman, a City Council member. "It would be nice if it was in the city."

City water service cannot be extended outside city limits, but a spigot could be placed at the boundary line to serve the dog park, said Rick Shields, city parks coordinator. Shields said installing a city line in the area likely would cost $1,600 to $1,800.

Celler envisions a citizens group similar to the Jacksonville Woodlands Association or the Friends of the Historic Jacksonville Cemetery to support the park and provide maintenance.

Locking gates with pass codes would be installed to limit use of the park to those who had signed up, Celler said.

A plan exhibited at the meeting showed both a large-dog area and a small-dog area. There would be double-gated entries for both areas.

Some residents had concerns about noise.

"What's going to keep the dogs from constantly barking at the cows?" asked Linda Graham, who lives near the proposed park. "It's my neighborhood."

"I think the kids screaming on the playground equipment would cause more reaction," said Toby Brown, a supporter of the dog park who has been involved in similar projects in Santa Rosa, Calif., and Hawaii. She said dogs are less likely to bark in a park because they see it as neutral territory, rather than a place they have to protect.

Committee members had questions about whether a county permit would be needed to establish the park on land zoned for agricultural uses, potential city liability and ability of city police to respond to problems on land not in city limits.

Gilman said he would meet with City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen to discuss the park before the next commission meeting in January. Celler will research concerns and costs and attend that meeting with answers.

Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at tboomwriter@gmail.com.

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