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Michelle Olson From: Jackie L Torgerson Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 12:14 PM To: Michelle Olson Subject: Off-Leash Dog Park-Arden Hills Attachments: offleashdog parks[1].pdf Michelle, I just left you a voice message, but thought I would also follow up with an email. I was recently asked to contact you with additional loss control information regarding an off-leash dog park in Arden Hills. First of all, there isn't anything special that you need to do in order for the city's liability coverage to apply to claims arising from a dog park. From a loss control perspective, here are some general considerations: • Provide a barrier to encourage the dogs to stay in the designated area. If you are near a residential area or busy street, consider a fence with gated entry. A gated entry also makes advisory signs difficult to miss. • Provide trash and containers and even plastic bags to encourage the proper disposal of feces. • Make sure there is adequate parking. Use may exceed expectations. • Consider providing water for dogs or encourage owners to bring plenty of water if none exists at the park. • Remember good maintenance techniques can keep park users safe and reduce liability in the event of a claim. Things like adding mulch to walkways can reduce erosion and increase traction. Be sure to include the dog park in a regular documented inspections program, along with the other parks. With respect to signage, consider posting rules for the following items: 1. Picking up feces 2. Controlling aggressive dogs 3. Leash Requirements, if any 4. Required removal of dogs from leashes in the off-leash boundary (keeping them leashed can cause aggressive behavior) 5. Dogs should be licensed and vaccinated to be allowed in the dog park 6. Children should be supervised at all times while in the dog park 7. Any other special information such as emergency contact info I have collected some city websites that include information on their dog parks. It may be helpful to take a look at what other cities are doing. Here are some links: • Eden Prairie: http://www.edenprairie.org/vcurrent/live/article.asp?r=2236 • Edina: http://www.cityofedina.com/ParksAndFacilities/L3-01 VanValkenberg.htm • Minneapolis: http://www ci minneapolis.mn.us/animal-control/off-leashparks.asp • Woodbury:http://www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/parks/pkdogpark.html • Rochester: http://www ci rochester mn us/departments/park/parks/amenities/dogparks asp • St. Louis Park: http://www.stlouispark.org/dog parks.htm • St. Paul: http://www.stpau1.gov/index.asp?NID=2066 The website dogpark.com might be of interest to you also. There are some helpful resources on there, including information on starting a dog park, sample dog park rules and other dog park resources. I have attached a risk management memo which outlines some of the above information. Again, if you have any additional questions for me, please don't hesitate to contact me. Take care and enjoy the day! 1