TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: MOCK COMMISSION MEETING - Build a Doggie Splash Park
Recommended Action
Authorize staff to begin development of a Doggie Splash Park that will include amenities such as lounging, swimming, massage services, wading pools, and distance dock diving.
Background Information
In support of North Port's dog-friendly environment, Commission adopted resolution #2017-R-18 on July 25, 2017 designating dog-friendly areas in 16 specified City parks. These 16 parks support dog-friendly on-leash recreational opportunities. A leash-free recreational space is at the Canine Club. Dog owners have taken advantage of these designations by bringing their dogs to the parks as well as outdoor events such as the Community Yard Sale, Movie on the Green, and Poinsettia Festival.
As Commission may recall, the Parks & Recreation Department further supported the City's dog-friendly environment by holding an inaugural Woofstock event on Feb. 10, 2018, at the Canine Club. Woofstock was a dog-friendly event designed to connect dog lovers with information about their canine counterparts. Approximately 700 humans and their four-legged family members attended.
Based on the popularity of these dog friendly events and amenities and the passion displayed by North Port dog owners, the Parks & Recreation Department is recommending the development of a Doggie Splash Park. As you know, Florida has one of the hottest climates year-round in the Unites States, making this the perfect opportunity for this amenity. Several locations can be considered such as the existing Canine Club, a Community Park or undeveloped City properties.
This unique doggie splash park concept is proposed to include an in-ground saltwater pool with beach entry, diving dock and multiple water spouts. The area will be completely fenced with custom made tunnels and hills for dogs to run and play and a sprinkled ar...
Click here for full text