To: raleighl@clarkdogpaw.org
From: raleighl@clarkdogpaw.org
Subject: [DOGPAW] Pacific Park update and site development news

DOGPAW Update - November 17, 2006

Thank you to all current and new DOGPAW members for your continued support. Here is an update on the status of Pacific Park construction and the off-leash area relocation. This information was provided by Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation staff.

Pacific Park
The construction contract for this park is being opened for bids starting Nov. 21. Construction may begin as soon as Dec. 2006. The project will likely take a full year. More information about the construction schedule will be available after the project has been awarded to a contractor.

Based on the amount of funding currently available for the first phase of construction, the following park features will likely be built:
   *  One playground on the west side of the park
   *  One restroom on the west side of the park
   *  One covered picnic shelter on the west side of the park
   *  Phase 1 of the Extreme Sports Park (10,000 square feet)
   *  8-acre off-leash dog park
   *  Two half-court basketball courts on the west side of the park
   *  All the parking lots on the west side of the park, and half of one lot on the east side
   *  Trails
   *  Benches
   *  Landscaping

Parks and Rec says they won't know for sure what features will be built until the project is awarded. Remaining features included in the master plan may be added in the future as funding allows.

Off-leash Area Relocation at Pacific Park
Once the construction contract is awarded to a contractor, the current off-leash area will be temporarily relocated to a 4-acre area in the park's southwest corner. If the bidding process goes quickly, this may happen as soon as Nov. 28. The off-leash area will remain in this space for a year or longer, until construction is complete, and will then be moved to a permanent, 8-acre site within the park.

New Park Development
DOGPAW board members and volunteers are working with Bonneville Power Administration to identify areas on BPA land that may be suitable for off-leash parks. (ROSS Park is on BPA land; it was developed through collaboration among DOGPAW, BPA and Parks and Rec.)

Potential sites must meet a list of criteria, including Parks and Rec's requirement that the off-leash sites be spread throughout the county for maximum benefit lf all residents. BPA requires DOGPAW to submit a detailed application before starting an exploratory search on any property's existing covenants, agricultural rights and other possible hindrances to development. When the application is complete and BPA finishes its investigation of a site, Parks and Rec reviews the application. This is a lengthy process, but we continue to make progress and are currently applying for three locations in the county.

Meanwhile, DOGPAW is assisting local residents who are participating in hearings and making applications to establish small off-leash areas in existing neighborhood parks.