4 Review Concept/Off-Leash Dog Park
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone 952.2271100
Fax 952.2271110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.2271180
Fax 952.2271190
Engineering
Phone 952.2271160
Fax 952.2271170
Finance
Phone 952.2271140
Fax: 952.2271110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.2271120
Fax 952.2271110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone 952.2271400
Fax 952.2271404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax 952.2271110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.2271300
Fax 952.2271310
Senior Center
Phone 952.2271125
Fax 952.2271110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
4
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Park and Recreation Commission
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director ~
October 14, 2005
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJ:
Review Concept of Constructing an Off-Leash Dog Area at
Lake Ann Park
At the September Park and Recreation Commission meeting, staff was asked to
continue an investigation into the concept of developing an off-leash dog area at
Lake Ann Park. The attached aerial photograph depicts a concept plan for a
5.5 acre fenced area within the Lake Ann Park woods. The photograph depicts a
rectangular site 400 feet deep by 600 feet wide situated just west of a parking lot.
The total length of the perimeter of the site is 2000 feet. The estimated costs for
constructing the facility are $77,000.
Fencing @ $15 per foot
Gates (4)
Water connection
Sanitary sewer connection
Signage
Associated Amenities (Variable)
$30,000
$ 5,000
$10,000
$25,000*
$ 2,000
$ 5,000
Total
$77,000
*If a sanitary water source is brought to the site, a sanitary
sewer connection needs to be made.
Staff would also like to offer the following input on this proposed facility:
. During periods of peak activity (weeknights and weekend), the parking
areas are already routinely overwhelmed.
. The Lake Ann woods is currently an area enjoyed by people for its
relative solitude and beauty.
. The lack of visibility from the parking area and entrance location into
the site would be a deterrent for some people to enter the area.
. The trails currently existing would be cut off by the fence.
The City of Chanhassen . A growing community with clean lakes, Quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.
Park and Recreation Commission
October 14, 2005
Page 2
. The site is heavily wooded with little to no ground cover present -
muddy spots and erosion would be difficult to avoid.
. Due to the forested conditions, making the area any smaller would
only exacerbate the erosion issues.
. Installing a 2000 foot chain link fence in a heavily wooded area will
require ongoing maintenance. (Trees and limbs will fall on the fence.)
Staff has always maintained that an off-leash dog area would be a welcome
addition to the city's park system. We just have not identified a good site for such
a facility. After some careful consideration of the site proposed at Lake Ann
Park, I do not believe it to be a good location for an off leash dog area.
ATTACHMENT
1. Aerial Photograph
G:\park\th\off leash dog area recommendation