Parks Board hears Dog Park proposal

During its regular June 19, 2019 meeting, the Forney City Parks Board met and in summary: heard a proposal for a dog park, discussed amphitheater usage.

• FIDO and Friends of Forney addressed the board about their efforts to establish an off-leash dog park.  They have found no developers willing to donate land, and want to partner w/ Parks dept.  They have estimated 8,126 dogs in Forney (based on population) and believe a 2-acre park would be sufficient. They estimated cost at $385k for 2 acre facility.  They will approach sponsors; Mr. Curry said they need to do that before council approves any plans.  There was discussion about maintenance, irrigation, parking, liability concerns.  Mr. Curry said the area East of Eastside park could be used, could be issues with environmental issues since that was the Forney Dump until 1960's, but should be suitable for parking.  He also said Wellington Ridge could work, but no utilities there.  Mr. Detmer said the Eastside area was discussed in 2013 when he was on the board.  Mr. McNear asked about a donation box - the group had discussed and abandoned that idea.  An online donation might work.  They have considered memorial bricks, benches, sponsorships.  Mr. Luna asked about 501(c)3 status - they will partner with a national 501c3 organization, as Rockwall does.  They have an online petition and could be eligible for grants.
      The board approved recommending the Eastside Park area as the location for a dog park
  
• Re: vision discussion with council - Mr. Carson has turned in 3-year plan for city buildings, including expansion of the current parks building for a meeting area and more lockable areas.
      Re: Amphitheater - have 20 events annually, looking to add more concerts.  The recent approval to sell alcohol allows them to look at larger acts (those which cost at least $20k).  Mr. Luna asks if they will just sell, or allow BYOB; Mr. Curry said an independent vendor would sell, and would not be BYOB.
      Re: resident vs. non-resident park users: Mr. Curry said associations don't pay for field use or lights, except $20 for practice on Wed. and Sun.  They do get a percentage of tournament fees, which basically covers personnel costs.  He recommends the city take over registration for the associations, so they can have data at beginning of season.  In spring 2018, 2,337 kids signed up to play, only 785 (33.6%) were actual city residents, 1552 lived in the FISD area, 586 lived outside the FISD.  Compared to other cities, Forney doesn't need more fields, but the quality of fields is an issue.
  
• The proposed downtown festival will be managed by FDBA and city.  For the proposed ball-drop event, they plan to have a shuttle service.
  
• Adjourned at 2030