Spencer dog park conceptual design OK'd

A park catering to dogs and their owners was given the green light by Spencer Park Board members Monday night. The park, which has been discussed for several years, is proposed to be up to four acres of usable space. Its placement is tentatively planned south of U.S. Highway 18 in the DeWolf Park area west of the trees.

During dog park proponents Megan Whitaker and Matt Matthiesen visit with board members last night, they explained its proposed common area would eventually include a 12-by-24 shelter house, a portable restroom facility and a picnic area. This area, Matthiesen said, would require all dogs to be on leashes.

As park users approach and enter the proposed double-gated area, it would be divided into two paddocks. The first, which Whitaker and Matthiesen envision as a 3/4-acre area, would accommodate small dogs. The second space, a perceived two acres in size, would cater to large dogs.

"The idea would be a certain weight for small dogs could go into the small dog area. Any dog, if you wanted to, could go into the large dog area," Matthiesen said of the hoped-for park design.

In addition to eight-foot width, hard-surface trail located throughout the proposed park, Matthiesen and Whitaker outlined pet stations for waste disposal, a human drinking fountain and two dog-only fountains, and trees throughout.

They described their first priority being to establish a six-foot chain-link fence around the park. Whitaker suggested it might be similar to the Spencer Family Aquatic Center fence.

When the duo was asked how their proposed park and dog-friendly features might be paid for, Spencer Park and Recreation Director Delray Bredehoeft listed grants and donations.

"The good thing about seeking donations is people take ownership in the project then," Bredehoeft said.

Matthiesen, Whitaker and Bredehoeft were encouraged to return to the board with more-definite plans on how funding would be sought and the proposed dog park would be maintained.

A set of rules for park users is also anticipated.

"This is kind of the starting point," Bredehoeft said of the board's acceptance of the conceptual design and its approval to move forward with the dog park.

"I think it's needed in our community," board member Kim Bates said.

In other action, the board instructed Bredehoeft to have department staff remove the tennis courts from North School Park in order to allow the building of a new basketball court and green space next spring.

As the board moved to discuss the 2009-10 fiscal year budget for the Spencer Park Department, Bredehoeft suggested its proposed fiscal year budget would be kept "even line" with this year's budget. All city department budget figures and proposed capital improvement projects (CIP) will be presented to City Manager Bob Fagen and Spencer City Clerk Donna Fisher on Dec. 5.

In other discussion Monday night, the board:

* Accepted three quotes from Vinton-based companies for tuckpointing the East Leach Park bandshell. While Karr Tuckpointing submitted a $24,724 quote, Vinton Tuckpointing offered a $24,560 quote and Schoonover Tuckpointing submitted a $17,045 quote. Board members directed Bredehoeft to seek referrals for Schoonover Tuckpointing and agreed to consider taking action on the three quotes in December.