TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida Amending and Restating the Designation of Dog-Friendly Areas in Specified City Parks; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Ratification; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-17 as presented.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-17 as presented.
• Pros:
o Expands recreational access by increasing opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor spaces with their dogs.
o Aligns with community use patterns.
o Designation allows for installation of educational signage and pet waste stations, promoting responsible pet ownership and cleaner park environments.
o Helps reduce off-lease or unregulated dog use by providing clear expectations.
• Cons:
o Increased interactions between dog owners and other park users may require education and monitoring.
o Higher visitation from dog owners could affect parking and trail capacity during peak times.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-17.
• Pros:
o Does not require additional maintenance.
o Limits potential disturbances to natural areas.
o Maintains the current scope of designated dog-friendly areas.
• Cons:
o Misses an opportunity to meet community demand.
o Creates inconsistency with policy application, as other parks with similar characteristics are designated as dog-friendly parks.
o Limits opportunities for residents to engage in healthy outdoor activities with their pets.
o Dog owners may continue using these areas regardless of designation, but without waste station or signage to support responsible behavior.
Background Information
In 2016, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan identified the Boca Chica property as a future park site, prioritizing the development of a dog park. This direction was reinforced in 2017 when a Capital Improvement Program project was adopted for a second off leash dog park. Although the project later transitioned toward a neighborhood park concept, the original intent and continued community demand for dog-friendly amenities remain strong.
On July 25, 2017, the City Commission approved Resolution No. 2017-R-18, designating dog-Friendly areas within sixteen (16) specified City parks. These areas allow on-leash dog access, excluding locations containing playgrounds, courts, batting cages, or sports fields. Signage identifying designated areas include guidelines, littering fines and contact information.
To further enhance dog-friendly recreational access, staff recommends adding Boca Chica Park and the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail to the list of designated dog-friendly areas. Both locations are well-suited for on-leash dog activity and are frequently used by residents seeking passive outdoor recreation.
Resolution No. 2026-R-17 was reviewed by the City Attorney and it is legally correct as to form.
Resolution No. 2026-R-17 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on March 2, 2026, for signatures, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Parks & Recreation Department includes funding of $4,800 in account number 001-3038-572.52-00 for supplies to support dog-friendly parks. Within this amount, the department estimates expenditures of $700 at Boca Chica Park and $1,400 at Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail for installation of pet waste stations and related signage.
Procurement
Staff will follow all applicable procurement guidelines.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2026-R-17
2. Resolution No. 2017-R-18
3. July 25, 2017, City Commission Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Trish Sturgess, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director