A different location for Rocky’s new dog park could be decided on Tuesday by town council.

At the December 6 regular council meeting, delegates came forward opposing the new location proposed for the off-leash dog park near the Recreation Park (Ball Diamonds).
The delegates had shared their concerns with the location and possible ideas for a different location at the north end retention pond. Engineering and Operations has been tasked with estimating cost and public engagement for Option 1 (North End Riverview retention pond) for a dog park location. These costs would include, fencing, parking lot construction, walking trail extension from 60 Street to the new location and signage.

Town council has since added in a third location which is a green space north of the existing dog park.

Option 2 as proposed to the delegates is far enough from the highway and will have a treed buffer between the walking trail and the dog park so the dogs shouldn’t be stressed. Officials note this location also has unmaintained areas for the dogs to explore in the uncut grass and has natural paths in the trees already.

Option 1 Riverview Retention Pond, 8.1 acres

Pros

• Has rooms for benches and picnic tables

• Largest property

• Body of water

Cons

• Most expensive

• No walking trail paved or graveled

• No nearby washrooms

Cost: $120,000.00

Option 2 Green Space North of Existing Dog Park, 1.3 acres

Pros

• It is just north of the existing dog park in the open green space adjacent to the Wildrose School Division property and the walking trail.

• This location is 1.3 acres which is larger than what the existing location is.

• Has both treed and open green space and has the option for future expansion to the north.

• Is adjacent to the walking trail

• This location is not in a swampy area, is easier to maintain and fairly flat.

• Has room for benches and picnic tables

• This location has parking and washrooms nearby.

Cons

• No natural body of water

• Backs on to three residential lots

• Slightly higher cost than the Recreation Park Option

Cost: 37,000.00

Option 3 Recreation Park Location, 1.3 Acres

Pros

• Larger site than current dog park

• Offers both grass and treed area.

• Has room for benches and picnic tables.

• Site is currently unutilized space in a designated recreation park.

• Off the main thoroughfares

• Location not in a residential area

• Access to water from the ballpark irrigation system

• Washrooms nearby

• Large parking lot

Cons

• No natural body of water

• Would need a walking trail from 45 Street service road.

• Approximate cost of fencing – $30,000