Budgetary deficits in the City of Seattle coffers could spell dire consequences for the Genesee off-leash dog park. City policymakers may contemplate razing the dog park and replacing it with a third, all-weather, synthetic athletic field dedicated flag football and ultimate Frisbee. Based on the city's ordinances banning canines from municipal play areas and fields, your dog could be on the outside looking in at yards of Astroturf.
The city Parks Department plans to renovate the Genesse Park athletic fields by using $2.1 million renovation project slated to commence construction this autumn. The Parks department explains the process on its website:
Completed construction documents will go to the Department of Executive Administration for review and approval in April. Parks anticipates that this project will go to bid in May with actual construction beginning at the end of May or early June. Construction will last 60 working days, with Substantial Completion in September 2010 and the field open for use at this time.
A link from the city's Parks and Recreation site is provided for your reading pleasure:
The demands for a myriad of sports - adult and children's soccer, lacrosse, flag football, Ultimate Frisbee -- may require more than the two athletic fields presently available at Genesee Park. Rather than finance a dog park that costs the city monies spent on field maintenance and dog-poop removal -- the city may instead look at the the prospect of building an athletic field that generate revenue through user fees. Consider that potential new rental fees for a possible new flag football and Ultimate Frisbee field generates around $40 to $60 an hour. Six hours of rental fees would net the city $240 to $360 in a single weekend... and no dog poop to clean up.
It's a tough new world in the aftermath of the Bush recession.
A decision to scrap the dog park generates support from neighborhood residents who resent the abandoned piles of canine excrement left behind by dog owners with willful or negligent frames of mind. If ongoing problems persist, the Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.010 gives the Parks superintendent authority to review the complains in consultation with the city council. According to the ordinance:
D. If,based on this review, the Superintendent finds significant problems that cannot be practically corrected the Superintendent may close the site to off-leash use. In addition to any action taken pursuant to the review described above, the Superintendent is authorized to close to off-leash dog use any area described under subsection B of this section on a temporary or permanent basis if significant problems arise which cannot be resolved jointly by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Seattle Animal Control, and COLA, and if the Superintendent determines that such closure is necessary for the preservation and protection of the natural environment, public health or safety. Prior to closing any off-leash area, the Superintendent shall consult with the Director of Executive Administration. The Superintendent shall state in writing his or her reasons for closure.
Kind of makes you wish you were more diligent in picking up the deuces from your Dalmatian and Dandy Dinmont.
Be glad that the city isn't claiming the around the dog park to construct a mix-use facility: A Check Into Cash, Arby's and a dollar store on the main level, "congregate housing units in the four or five upper floors. But limited parking given the regional access to link light rail.
We had joys, fun, and seasons in the sun at our dog park. Now, it could be "na-na, hey-hey, kiss it goodbye."
Thanks. But look at the date of the posting.
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