Coppell hopeful for dog park by year’s end

But, the expenses add up quickly.

Facebook/CoppellDogPark

Eva Bauer spoke at a packed council meeting in November about how she believes a dog park will increase home values in Coppell.

COPPELL — Plans are progressing for the city of Coppell to have a dog park open before the end of this year.

The Coppell City Council, in a February 12 work session, provided Brad Reid, director of the Coppell Parks and Recreation Department, with more direction as to what the council members would like to see in a dog park.

Possibly the biggest delay in getting a dog park open to the public is the need for new sod and grass to be planted on the location at MacArthur Park, which would be the site.

Council members were in agreement for Reid to order $40,000 worth of hybrid Bermuda sod grass for the park. Reid told the council the sod would need to be in place for a few months before the dog park could be opened to the public.

“The new sod is necessary because the existing ground cover is a mixture of weeds and undesirable grasses. These would not make a lasting surface once dogs begin to run and play,” Reid explained.

At a previous workshop, the council members were questioning whether the fencing should be of decorative metal or vinyl. The council members on February 12 opted for a vinyl coated chain link fence.

The original estimate for the dog park was $250,000. However, several council members suggested that the dog park should have lights, which could be turned off about 10 p.m. when the park would be closed.

Reid estimated the lighting would cost about $35,000, making the total estimated cost of the dog park at $285,000.

Other costs, included in the $285,000, would be $80,000 for fencing, $40,000 for an irrigation system and water lines, $28,000 for concrete paving, $17,000 for a 30x30 shade structure, and $10,000 for a concrete culvert drain. Also, $25,000 has been earmarked for clearing, grading, topsoil, and a silt fence.

“The lighting is planned to be a downward facing fixture on a 20-25 foot tall pole,” Reid said. “It provides for a smooth light pattern on the ground without the typical glare of an elevated fixture.

The hours of operation still need to be determined, but the council did indicate a desire for the lights to go out when the park closes.”

The city council asked Reid to provide a complete listing of different trades involved and proposed contractors for the project within 60 to 90 days.

Once the council is provided with that information, Reid said the council can take action on whether to pursue the project as submitted.