Item 5.1 POWERPOINT presented by staff at meetingSilverset Park – Off leash Dog
Presentation
History
•May 2012 – Request submitted to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) for off-
leash dog access in the Ball Field at Silverset
Neighborhood Park by OLA Committee.
•July 2012 – The PRAC declined to recommend
the request to the City Council.
•October 2013 – Modified request submitted to
PRAC for off-leash dog access in the Ball Field at
Silverset Park.
Factors PRAC Considered
•Limited parking – opening an off-leash dog access
area will draw interest from outside the
neighborhood.
•Acreage per capita in comparison to other agencies
in San Diego County.
•Proximity to existing Poway Dog Park (2.6 miles).
•If a second off-leash area is to be created, it should
be placed strategically in the City for a wider
geographical distribution of facilities.
Outcome
In both instances, the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee declined to refer the item
to the City Council, based on staff research and
recommendations.
Discussion and Council Direction
On June 27, representatives from the OLA Committee
met with the City Manager to discuss their proposal. The
model used by the City of Encinitas for designated off-
leash hours in a park was also discussed.
At their July 15 meeting, the City Council requested that
staff explore options for off-leash dog access on a trial
basis.
Current Request
The Off-Leash Area (OLA) Committee’s current proposal:
Make the Ball Field available for off-leash dog access
daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. as a conditional use for
a trial period of one year.
Current Request Continued.
Additional suggestions or offers by the OLA Committee:
•Provide funding for the two gates in the dugout area.
•Provide “Rules for Use of the Ball Field with Your Dog”.
•Conduct ongoing education for park visitors.
•Arrange for volunteers to conduct a daily “sweep” of the park at
9:00 AM to ensure the cleanliness of the park and field.
September 4 Neighborhood Meeting
•Over 60 people attended, and 37 individuals spoke
on the topic.
•Attendees were almost evenly divided on off-leash dog
access in Silverset Park.
•At the conclusion, participants voted on the proposals
–34 voted in favor of the OLA Committee proposal
–31 voted against any off–leash use.
•Post-meeting emails received:
- 5 against, 3 in favor, 3 provided general comments
Staff Suggested Options
Based on Council’s request to explore options on a trial basis.
Option 1:
Use of Ball Field
The Ball Field would be utilized
as an off-leash dog pen on a
trial basis. Upon conclusion of
the trial period, staff would
return to Council with a
recommendation on whether
to make the use permanent.
Option 2:
Designated Off-Leash Hours
For a trial period, specific
off-leash hours would be
established.
For example:
M.W.F. 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and
Tu.Th. 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
This would exclude: the
playground, walking path, Ball
Field and basketball court.
City of Encinitas
Model
•No permits issued
to organized athletic
groups. Some
unofficial soccer
use.
•Other parks not big
enough to
accommodate
athletic use.
Field Utilization
311
309
311
60
105
107
19%
34%
34%
FY14
FY 13
FY 12
FY14 FY 13 FY 12
% Utilization 19%34%34%
Days Reserved 60 105 107
Days Available 311 309 311
Silverset Ball Field Utilization
311
309
311
65
79
150
21%
26%
48%
FY14
FY 13
FY 12
FY14 FY 13 FY 12
%
Utilization 21%26%48%
Days
Reserved 65 79 150
Days
Available 311 309 311
Silverset Soccer Field Utilization
Additional Considerations
•Once a proposal is selected, further analysis
would be required. These include, but are not
limited to, environmental review, potential
sign costs, and fencing/gates costs, etc. This
research would be brought back to the City
Council for a final decision.
Next Steps
Staff is looking for direction from the City Council on whether to pursue any of the options presented tonight for Silverset Park.
1.The OLA Committee’s proposal – limited shared use of the Ball Field.
2.Exclusive use of the Ball Field as an off- leash dog access area.
3.The City of Encinitas model of designated off-leash hours at Silverset Park.
4.Take no further action.
5.Direct staff to explore another idea.
Field Use by Days
1
9
16
14
21
19 18
23
17 17
26
17
1 2
12
8
20
23
1 4 3
FY 14 FY13 FY12
Silverset Ball Field # of Days in Use
Mon Tue Wed Thu
Fri Sat Sun
16 15
19
16 15
36
16 17 18 17 16
39
16
37
1
FY 14 FY13 FY12
Silverset Soccer Field # of Days in Use
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun