Farmington Hills Council Views 'Ruff' Plan for Dog Park on Former School Site

While plans are not finalized, officials have moved a few steps closer to creating a dog park on property that at least one resident feels might be a good fit. 

Angelyn Lynch said her dog already loves walking along the field on the former William Grace Elementary School property, located on the north side of Shiawassee Rd., east of Middlebelt. At a study session Monday, city officials reviewed a draft lease agreement with that would allow them to improve and use the property for two years, at $1 per year. 

"It sounds good to me," Lynch said of the plan that emerged from the discussion. "I was concerned it was going to take up the whole property, and that they might put up an obstructive fence that would block my view. It sounds like they really researched the best way to do it."

A committee of volunteers to flesh out a proposal. The "Paws in the Hills Dog Park" group presented officials Monday with a mission statement, a plan for orientation sessions, registration requirements and a set of rules and regulations.

Their proposed site plan includes three areas for dogs of various sizes, fencing, a double-gate entry with transition space, ample parking, portable toilets and access to water. City Special Services director Dave Boyer said the park would take up about 2 acres, roughly where William Grace School was located. An existing playground would remain in place. 

"The biggest expense is fencing," Boyer said, adding the cost can range from $10,000-$35,000. A system that limits access to the park, perhaps with a key fob, is also in the plan. Funds have been allocated in next year's budget, in addition to $20,000 already earmarked for the project, Boyer said. 

Water and electricity will be available because city officials worked with the school district when the school was being demolished to leave utility line stubs on the property, Boyer said.

The group proposed the park be available only to Farmington Hills residents, but city manager Steve Brock said the city may open it to Farmington residents if the school property is selected. 

Volunteer Masha Silver said a fee would be charged, but the committee left it to the city to determine an amount. Families would be limited to registering three dogs; she suggested families with multiple dogs could pay the full fee for the first, and a reduced amount for the others.

Fundraising would also be part of the plan; Boyer said those dollars would be used for park amenities and upkeep. 

With council consensus in favor of the plan, city manager Steve Brock said staff will begin meeting with residents in surrounding neighborhoods to discuss the proposal. Farmington school officials will consider the lease agreement on their March 6 agenda; it will come back to city officials once residents have had a chance to weigh in. 

Assistant city manager Dana Whinnery said he heard no opposition to the agreement when he reviewed it with school officials on Feb. 7. "It's a classic win-win situation," he said.