The city is looking at making changes to the off-leash dog park next to Beach Grove Elementary following concerns from the public.
The parks, recreation and culture department is proposing the western boundary of the off-leash area be amended and barriers installed. Signage denoting the end of the off-leash area is also proposed to be installed.
The mayor’s office this year received correspondence from a Beach Grove resident who expressed concern about the safety of children due to the proximity to the off-leash dog area to the school playground. In particular, the resident was concerned with the number of off-leash dogs that were leaving the designated dog area.
School principal Rick Hall also sent a letter of concern related to dog feces on school property as well as off-leash dogs damaging school property and intimidating children. While he noted he has not witnessed or heard about children being injured, he indicated that school staff identified previous instances of conflicts with dogs.
A civic report stated city staff monitored the site and found 14 instances where dogs were off-leash in and around the playground during a one-month period. The report notes there’s concern, however, related to providing a fully-fenced playground, including the potential behaviour of a dog should it inadvertently enter and become trapped in a fenced area containing kids playing.
Staff recommend the off-leash area be reconfigured by moving it further from the playground. In addition, sections of low-level fencing would be installed along the edge of the off-leash area closest to the playground, while new signage would advise park users they are leaving the off-leash area and must leash their dogs.
