Another dog park could be developed in Coeur d'Alene

Pooches could have another public place to romp off-leash in Coeur d'Alene.

The city council will consider whether to develop a dog park at Phippeny Park between north Seventh and Eighth streets.

The city’s Public Works Committee agreed Monday to forward a request to the city council for consideration. The Parks and Recreation Commission previously recommended to the city’s General Services Committee that they forward it to the council.

“Five years ago we considered a dog park at this location. At that time the city solicited the neighborhood’s opinion regarding this possibility,” stated a staff report by Sam LaPresta, parks superintendent, which was presented Monday to the Public Works Committee. “At that time the neighborhood’s consensus, of those present, was to not have a dog park constructed.”

The 130-by-40-foot off-leash area would be created by installing fencing at the south end of the park. It would cost around $30,000 and include an asphalt path connecting the “bull pen” with an existing sidewalk to the east.

“We have funding from the Ace Walden Trust that could be utilized to cover the cost,” stated the staff report.

The city already has three dog parks: Central Bark, on Nez Perce Road along Atlas Road; at Cherry Hill Park on 15th Street; and at McEuen Park.

Discussion about the new dog park could be on the agenda for city council members to consider when they meet again Tuesday at 6 p.m.

The council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Community Room at Coeur d’Alene Public Library.