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 artificial turf area to control surface temperature. Attached are examples of canine day spa’s / water parks that are currently operating in California. These locations include day care service, massages, birthday parties, deep water swimming, splash dock diving, club and group swims, wading pools, lounge chairs, and much more.
In researching the activities offered by these two locations, staff is proposing the development of a full slate of programs and services such as open swim, private group swim, swim and diving lessons, massage services, and doggie birthday parties to provide an ongoing revenue stream in support of this facility.
Strategic Plan
City of Greatness, Safe, Fun, Kind with Hometown Feeling
Financial Impact
The anticipated design cost is $100,000 and design is projected to be complete in 180 days. Construction cost will be determined based upon the final design concept; however, staff is estimating $1,000,000 in total for this project and anticipates securing a 50% matching grant through the Petco Foundation to offset expenses.
Procurement
A competitive solicitation for design and construction services will be advertised through the Purchasing Division of the Finance Department.
Attachments:
1. Dawg Waterpark - Country Kennels
2. Paradise Ranch Pet Resort
3. Dog Friendly Park Resolution
Prepared by: Cheryl Greiner
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller