St. Albert dogs have cleared one more hurdle to getting their own park.
The city recently released its proposed design, which will include a chain link fence, shrubbery lining the perimeter, a parking lot for owners and space to allow dogs to run around.
“There was overwhelming support for option one,” said recreation director Monique St. Louis about the chosen design, one of three presented to city residents during an open house in February. “We’re thrilled at the number of people who came out and commented.”
St. Louis said 123 residents came out to the open house, as well as some of their dogs. Many of the additional comments city staff heard included issues surrounding dog noise, traffic pollution and cleanliness in the park.
She added the city would next look at creating a more detailed design, including meeting with a consultant to discuss the design of the parking lot that would go in the location.
“We were hoping not to need one … but it’s just a small consultancy,” said St. Louis about the consultation. “We want to make sure the design respects the landscape and plans for the site.”
Issues with residents from the Heritage Hills housing co-operative cropped up shortly after the open house, with some residents saying they were never informed about plans for the park, which backs onto the residential area. St. Louis said there are plans to discuss the issues with residents before the plan is taken to council for final approval in late August.
“There was one woman who said the park would interfere with her ability to get to the bus stop and we want to see if we … can make it easier for her,” she said. “We are here for the residents.”
St. Louis said that, should council approve the final design in August, construction would start in early September and will potentially finish before the first winter snowfall.
She also said plans for a park in Lacombe Park could follow a similar path next year, with the city’s recreation department working on concepts through the spring for review by the new council in the summer of 2011.
