An off-leash dog park in Wesbrook Place is one step closer to completion.
The design and budget for a proposed off-leash dog park was approved by the UNA’s board of directors during their monthly meeting on March 18.
Directors unanimously approved the latest plans for the park, which incorporate community feedback after a six-week public engagement period last year.
During the meeting, UNA Staff presented a revised design and project budget for the park, which is now estimated to cost $230,000.
According to a report prepared by UNA staff, the majority of the cost at $200,000 will be covered by the Metro Vancouver community works fund, with the remainder coming from the UNA budget.
The revised design now includes the addition of shading structures, planted trees and seating elements.
Other features of the park include two fenced areas: one for small dogs and one for large dogs, pedestrian pathways, and waste disposal stations.
The revised design is expected to also allow the retention of four out of an existing eight beach volleyball courts that currently occupy the site.
The proposed site, north of Birney Avenue near Ross Drive and Webber Lane, was selected by a working group. It was chosen based on its central location and other nearby recreational spaces.
The site is also reserved for an elementary school; however, construction of the school is not expected to begin for an estimated five to 10 years.
During discussion of the revised plan, UNA director Sandy Song asked whether the board should postpone approval of the park until more details of the proposed school are available.
In response, directors and UNA staff told Song that the school’s construction would be prioritized in the event of any potential conflicts or issues with the dog park.
Maintenance costs for the park will be absorbed into the existing UNA budget, operations manager Wegland Sit said during the meeting.
Subject to funding approvals, the park project will go to tender in Mid-May, with construction beginning in late June and the park opening between mid-September and early October.