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Needs Identified:
Multiple community surveys have confirmed that Juneau is a very pet-friendly community, with a strong need for more dog parks. As part of a formal 2017 survey, 83% of respondents identified as dog owners and a full 77% of respondents stated that more dog parks were an important need for the community. Existing spaces currently being used as dog parks do not meet established design standards or safe/best practices for such facilities. As the current owner of the site, the City & Borough of Juneau does not have adequate budget to prioritize a dog park, but the Parks & Recreation Department is willing to partner with and contribute to the project with fence components, manpower, equipment, and services. The development of a proper dog park has languished for almost a decade, despite the strong survey results indicating the need.
How the project meets those needs:
The scope of the project will address safety, sanitation, and design best practices for a community dog park. It will address the key hazards, repair/improve the existing fence infrastructure, and replace the components on site that do not meet current design standards. The project is being planned and executed in partnership with CBJ Parks & Recreation department, who is committed to the ongoing maintenance of the capital improvements and the facility. Rotary will not be responsible for maintenance, but may contribute to some aspects, in coordination, as part of our ongoing work under the Avenue of Community Service.
Project Timeline:
- May/June 2026: Spring Cleanup and planning investigation
- JUL 2026: Construction Design complete
- JUL 2026: Order fencing materials and secure necessary equipment
- AUG 2026: AUG Mobilization/Construction activities
- NLT OCT 2026: Construction complete
Use of Project Funds:
The scope of the project consists of the construction of an 11' x 22' concrete pad, upon which double-gated "airlocks" will be assembled for access to the dog run areas. The airlocks will consist of chain-link fencing to connect to the existing entrances on site. Fence components and connectors will be procured, allowing re-deployment of the existing "outfield fence" on the site to become the new Separation Barrier between dog sizes. Water/waste stations will be procured and installed, along with signage to mount at the park. A breakdown is as follows:
$ 3,176 - Concrete Pad
$ 4,312 - Chain Link Fence Airlocks
$ 1,190 - Existing Chain Link Fence Mods
$ 1,398 - Water/Waste Stations
$ 1,425 - Signage, Rehab, & Misc.
$ 11,500 - Total
Note: The cost breakdown above includes risk contingency calculations appropriate to project management best practices for the specific level of design, site investigation availability, and supplier cost risks.
Club Member Involvement:
We have specifically selected the scope of the project to maximize the opportunities for all members of the club to be involved, regardless of their experience/abilities. A large-scale Spring Cleanup will kick off the effort, followed by design and construction planning, with an already-established working group. Members with appropriate experience will lead the construction of the concrete pad and install the chain-link gating system. Other members will re-deploy the mobile, interior fencing for the large dog/small dog separation barrier. Another group will be helping to remove/reduce plant growth within the park and complete general clean-up, along with the installation of the water and waste stations. The conclusion of the work party will shift to a nearby picnic facility to offer a fellowship event and celebrate the project.
Project Effectiveness:
Although no existing formal park usage data exists that we can compare to, the project intends to work with CBJ to measure this. One method is to deploy a traffic counter this spring and measure car traffic coming to the park through the summer. With that we can deploy again next season and compare how much increased usage the new park is getting. Additionally, there is an unconventional measure that is being discussed, with the comparison of waste haulage from the facility before the work as compared with the post-construction period. Although hard to quantify the actual usage, the increase in dog visits will leave a measurable change in the waste haulage, which will provide an indicator. We are also discussing other ways to measure impact, which are only in the formative stages at this time.
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