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Three Rivers Dog Park InfoThreeRivers PARK DISTRICT The mission of Three Rivers Park District is to promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources -based park system. Three Rivers Park District is a natural resources -based park system located in the suburban Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area of Minnesota that manages more than 27,000 acres of park reserves, regional parks, regional trails and special -use facilities. The Park District offers facilities for every season, including: picnicking, swimming, creative play, boating, fishing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, golf, camping and sledding; extensive trails for hiking, biking, in-line skating, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as program sites for nature, recreation, historic and farm education. Annually, the Park District serves more than five million park visitors. The first designated off -leash area for dogs in Three Rivers Park District was established at Elm Creek Park Reserve in 1983. The partially fenced off -leash areas at Lake Sarah Regional Park and Crow - Hassan Park Reserve are each approximately 35 acres and were added in 1990. Until 1993, there was no charge to use these off -leash areas, but a valid parking permit was required. In 1993, access to the off -leash area in Elm Creek Park Reserve was cut off when the City of Dayton closed the end of 121 St Street North. A new 30 acre site was established, and the original site was closed. Considerable expense was incurred for fencing and other improvements, and a $25 fee for the annual special use permit was established at that time. The 27 acre off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park is enclosed by a fence and opened in July 2000. Starting January 1, 2005, the annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass changed to $30 (or $5 for a daily use permit), with no additional parking fee. The annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass allows year-round access to all four areas. Permit holders must agree to certain rules and conditions, including keeping their dogs under control at all times, and having current certification of rabies vaccination. Hours are 5:00 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Each site has a satellite toilet or vault latrine and trash barrel. Trails are mowed in summer and packed in winter. Drinking water for dogs is only available at Cleary Lake Regional Park; the other sites are not located near wells. Research Report Number: 1300.01 Report Submitted: December 2006 Report Prepared by: Jonathan Nauman, Research & Evaluation Manager Barbara Meyer, Research & Evaluation Assistant Map Prepared by: Len Kne, Demography Data Analyst Photographs by: Derek Dickinson, Photographer Executive Summary Visitation to Off -leash Dog Areas • An estimated 75,000 visits were made to Three Rivers Park District's off -leash dog areas during 2005, with 37,000 visits occurring at Elm Creek Park Reserve, 25,000 visits taking place at Cleary Lake Regional Park, 8,000 visits happening at Crow -Hassan Park Reserve, and 5,000 visits estimated for Lake Sarah Regional Park. • Visitation to the off -leash dog areas at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve is distributed throughout the year as follows: 27 percent in summer, 26 percent in spring, 25 percent in fall, and 22 percent during the winter months of December, January, and February. • A total of 1,813 households purchased an annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass from Three Rivers Park District in 2005. This is 29 percent more households than in 2004 and an increase of 162 percent from 2000. • Sales of daily Dog Off -leash Area Passes have also increased in recent years totaling 1,440 in 2003, 1,746 in 2004, and 2,163 in 2005. • Revenue collected thru the sales of annual and daily Dog Off -leash Area Passes reached an all-time high of $62,838 during 2005. • Though visitation, sales, and revenues have increased rapidly, only 53 percent of those purchasing an annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass in 2004 renewed their annual pass in 2005. • Off -leash dog areas have been assigned to Level Two and have a cost recovery goal of 50 percent (of direct costs) according to Three Rivers Park District's Cost Recovery Model. Based on the 2004 budget, the projected cost recovery for off -leash dog areas was 181 percent, well above the 50 percent goal. "I love it! We use it year-round. It's my major use (only use, actually) of the Park District. When I bring my out-of-town friends to the park, they are jealous that their cities do not have similar off -leash parks. " -comment from a 51 year-old visitor at Cleary Lake Regional Park - "My kids and I love being able to bring our Siberian Husky there and be able to let him go free and be able to run free and wild and watch him play with other dogs and swim without worries of not being able to catch him or run away. " -comment from a 40 year-old visitor at Elm Creek Park Reserve - "Our dogs really love coming here and we enjoy bringing them. It would be great to have more dog exercise areas available. We normally can come only on weekends, and sometimes it gets pretty crowded. It will become even busier as time goes by. The improvements this year have been great. It would be nice to have more places like this to go, without having to drive miles and miles, especially with gas prices going up so much. " -comment from a 53 year-old visitor at Cleary Lake Regional Park - "The reserve is incredible. I would gladly pay higher taxes to fund projects like this. The dog park is a lifesaver." -comment from a 26 year-old visitor at Elm Creek Park Reserve - 1'17 31,500 0 r y 1,000 0 0 x 500 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Number of households purchasing a Three Rivers Park District annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass. 11 Executive Summary The following information summarizes the results of over 400 questionnaires that were completed by those visiting the off -leash dog areas at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve. Visitor & Group Characteristics • The median number of miles traveled to visit the off -leash dog area at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve was 8.0 and 7.0 respectively. Eighty-five percent of all respondents lived within 15 miles of the off -leash dog area they were visiting. • The number of annual visits to the off -leash dog areas studied decreased the further a respondent resided and increased the closer they lived to the off -leash area. The median number of annual visits ranged from 140 for those living within five miles, 100 visits for respondents residing six to fifteen miles away, and 53 visits for those living over fifteen miles away. • Women makeup an estimated 58 percent of persons visiting the off -leash dog areas. • Visitors under the age of 25 and those older than 60 are under -represented at the off -leash dog areas based on the age distribution of residents in the Twin Cities seven -county metropolitan area. In contrast, those between the ages of 25 and 59 are over -represented and comprise an estimated 78 percent of all visitors. The median age range for visitors at both off -leash dog areas is 35 to 44 years. • Racial and ethnic minorities account for five percent of all visitors, which is slightly less than expected based on the profile of nearby communities. • The median annual household income for visitors at both park locations is between $75,000 and $99,999. • The average group size was 1.5 people with 62 percent of all groups consisting of one person. Average group size was significantly higher for groups with two or more dogs (mean=1.7 people) compared with groups that only brought one dog (mean= 1.4 people). • The average number of dogs per group was 1.4 at both park locations. Twenty-nine percent of the groups brought two dogs and five percent reported bringing three or more dogs. • The majority (67.9%) of visitors at the two off -leash dog areas had not used other Three Rivers Park District turf trails in the past year to exercise their dog(s). Those who did use other turf trails in Three Rivers Park District reported visiting an off -leash dog area an average of six times for every one visit they made to an unfenced turf trail. • The average and median visit length to an off -leash dog area is 70 and 60 minutes respectively. The average length of stay did not significantly differ by the time of year a respondent visited an off -leash dog area (i.e. winter, spring, summer or fall) but was significantly longer for those: ➢ visiting on weekends or holidays (75 minutes) compared with those visiting on weekdays (65 minutes); ➢ traveling over 15 miles (87 minutes) compared with those traveling less than six miles (63 minutes); and ➢ those under the age of 60 (71 minutes) compared with those 60 or more years old (58 minutes). UMI Executive Summary Conflicts, Safety & Crowding • Thirty percent of respondents have experienced a conflict during the past year at the off -leash dog area they were visiting. The majority (88.1%) of reported conflicts were caused by dog owners allowing their dog(s) to run out of control and inappropriately interact with other dogs or dog owners. The percent of respondents who experienced a conflict was significantly higher at Elm Creek Park Reserve (38.1%) than at Cleary Lake Regional Park (22.1%). • Safety reminders posted by Public Safety to encourage visitors to lock their vehicles and store valuable possessions in areas not easily visible have been effective with 22 percent of all respondents following the safety reminders more since reading the posted signs. • Personal safety was rated as "safe" or "very safe" by 99 percent of respondents and does not appear to be a concern at either park location. • Though safety for pets and safety for parked vehicles do not appear to be a frequent problem at either park location, safety ratings for both of these items were significantly higher for those visiting Cleary Lake Regional Park, and for those who had not experienced a conflict at the off -leash dog areas during the past year. • The perception of crowding was greater on weekends and holidays than on weekdays. Crowding was the highest for weekend visitors to Elm Creek Park Reserve arriving before 10:00 a.m. Most Important Aspects for Off -leash Dog Areas • The five features that respondents believed were most important to include in an off -leash dog area are listed below. 1. Fencing around the entire off -leash area. 2. Available drinking water for people and pets. 3. Well-maintained trails within the fenced area (i.e. free from mud or standing water). 4. Clean and well-maintained area (i.e. free from dog feces). 5. Waste dispensers and dog bag stations that are readily available throughout the off -leash area. • In addition to the five features listed above, fencing around the pond at Cleary Lake Regional Park and the opportunity to be in a wooded area at Elm Creek Park Reserve were both rated as very important. Reaction to Fee Charged at Off -leash Dog Areas • The fee charged to use Three Rivers Park District's off -leash dog areas was perceived as being "about right" by 87 percent of respondents, "too high" by eight percent, and "too low" by five percent. • The fee was perceived as being "too low" or "about right" significantly more frequently by those who purchased a $30 annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass (95.8%) compared with those who purchased a daily pass (69.2%) or a $25 annual pass prior to 2005 (87.3%). • The percent of respondents who reported the annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass was priced "too high" decreased by one-third (from 12.7% to 4.2%) after Three Rivers Park District eliminated the parking fee. IV Executive Summary Satisfaction with Off -leash Dog Areas • In eight of the twelve evaluation items tested, respondents at Cleary Lake Regional Park were significantly more satisfied than those visiting Elm Creek Park Reserve. • Aspects of the off -leash dog areas that respondents were most satisfied with included the design and layout, the overall size, and the natural elements (grass, trees, and water) that were included in these areas. • The parking area at Elm Creek Park Reserve was the evaluation item receiving the lowest satisfaction rating with 31 percent of respondents being very dissatisfied or dissatisfied. The need for a larger parking lot was cited by 18 percent of respondents while the need for a parking surface that drains water better was mentioned by 15 percent of respondents. • Other evaluation items receiving dissatisfied ratings by more than 10 percent of respondents included the cleanliness and maintenance at Elm Creek Park Reserve (18.0%), distance to Cleary Lake Regional Park from home (14.3%), distance of Elm Creek Park Reserve from home (14.1%), and enforcement of rules and regulations at Elm Creek Park Reserve (14.0%). • Satisfaction with enforcement of rules and regulations was significantly higher for respondents who had not experienced a conflict during the past year (93.2% satisfied) compared with those who had experienced a conflict during the past year (78.1% satisfied). The concern with the enforcement of rules and regulations appears to stem from the perception of low enforcement levels inside the fenced in off - leash dog areas. • Satisfaction with the cleanliness and maintenance of the off -leash dog areas was significantly higher for those at Cleary Lake Regional Park (94.6% satisfied) compared with those at Elm Creek Park Reserve (82.0% satisfied). Dissatisfaction at Elm Creek Park Reserve was primarily due to muddy trails and pet owners not picking up after their dogs. MA Table of Contents ExecutiveSummary............................................................................................... iii Tableof Contents.................................................................................................. vii Listof Tables................................................................................................... viii Listof Figures.................................................................................................. ix Background......................................................................................................... 1 Visitation to Off -leash Areas.............................................................................................. 3 Visitor & Group Characteristics...................................................................................... 4 MarketAreas.................................................................................................... 4 Ageand Sex.................................................................................................... 7 Race............................................................................................................ 8 HouseholdIncome............................................................................................. 8 Years Visiting Off -leash Area................................................................................ 9 GroupSize...................................................................................................... 9 Numberof Pets Brought...................................................................................... 10 Use of Other Park District Dog Walking Trails............................................................ 10 Length of Visit to Off -leash Area............................................................................ 10 Conflicts, Safety & Crowding.................................................................................... 11 Conflicts......................................................................................................... 1 I SafetyReminders............................................................................................... 11 Perceptionof Safety............................................................................................ 12 Crowding......................................................................................................... 16 Aspects Most Important........................................................................................... 17 VisitorSatisfaction................................................................................................. 21 Perceptionof Fees.............................................................................................. 21 Satisfaction of Facilities & Services......................................................................... 23 Distance from Home........................................................................................... 23 Behaviorof Other People...................................................................................... 24 Ease of Obtaining a Use Permit............................................................................... 24 Rules for Using Site............................................................................................. 24 Enforcement of Rules and Regulations...................................................................... 24 Cleanliness and Maintenance.................................................................................. 25 NaturalElements................................................................................................ 26 Staff and Volunteer Service................................................................................... 26 ParkingAreas................................................................................................... 26 Restrooms....................................................................................................... 27 Sizeof Off -leash Area......................................................................................... 27 Designand Layout............................................................................................. 27 Hoursof Operation............................................................................................. 27 Recommendations & Final Remarks............................................................................ 41 Appendix A: Off -leash Dog Area Survey for Cleary Lake Regional Park ................................. 45 Appendix B: Verbatim Descriptions of Conflicts Experienced ............................................... 50 Appendix C: Descriptions of Off -leash Dog Areas Located in the Twin Cities Area ....................... 53 Appendix D: Comments Explaining Why Respondents were Dissatisfied with Evaluation Items...... 56 Appendix E: Comments about the Off -leash Areas or about Three Rivers Park District ............... 62 vi List of Tables Background Table Al. Season and day that questionnaires were distributed to visitors ..................................... Visitor & Group Characteristics Table Cl. Place of residence for respondents at Cleary Lake Regional Park ............................... Table C2. Place of residence for respondents at Elm Creek Park Reserve ......................................... Table C3. Response to, "Which of the following best describes your race?............. I ................. Table C4. Percent of respondents who reported being Hispanic/Latino/Spanish .......................... Table C5. Respondents' annual household income before taxes ............................................ Conflicts, Safety & Crowding Table D1. How safe do you feel your pets are when visiting this off -leash area? ....................... Table D2. How safe do you feel when visiting this off -leash area? ....................................... Table D3. How safe do you feel your vehicle and the possessions in your vehicle are? ............... Aspects Most Important Table El. Features that respondents at Cleary Lake Regional Park reported were most important for off -leash areas to include......................................................................... Table E2. Features that respondents at Elm Creek Park Reserve reported were most important for off -leash areas to include............................................................................ Table E3. Importance of the following factors in respondents' decision to visit the off -leash area at ClearyLake Regional Park........................................................................ Table E4. Importance of the following factors in respondents' decision to visit the off -leash area at ElmCreek Park Reserve..................................................................................................... Visitor Satisfaction Table F1. Response to, "How appropriate was the fee charged to use this off -leash dog area?" .... Table F2. Public reaction to Park District fees, comparison between seven activities ................. Table F3. Satisfaction with the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park ........................... Table F4. Satisfaction with the off -leash area at Elm Creek Park Reserve ............................. Table F5. Satisfaction with distance from home........................................................... Table F6. Satisfaction with behavior of other people ...................................................... Table F7. Satisfaction with ease of obtaining a use permit ................................................ Table F8. Satisfaction with rules for using site............................................................. Table F9. Satisfaction with enforcement of rules and regulations ....................................... Table F10. Satisfaction with cleanliness and maintenance of site ......................................... Table Fll. Satisfaction with natural elements (grass, trees, water) ....................................... Table F12. Satisfaction with staff and volunteer service ................................................... Table F13. Satisfaction with the parking areas............................................................... Table F14. Satisfaction with restrooms........................................................................ Table F15. Satisfaction with size of off -leash area............................................................ Table F16. Satisfaction with design and layout of off -leash area .......................................... vu 5 5 8 8 9 13 14 15 18 19 20 20 21 22 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 List of Figures Visitation to Off -leash Areas Figure Bl. Distribution of annual visits to the off -leash dog areas at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve...................................................................... Figure B2. Number of households purchasing a Three Rivers Park District annual Dog Off -leash AreaPass.............................................................................................. Visitor & Group Characteristics Figure C1. Distance off -leash area is from respondents' home, comparison between parks......... Figure C2. Number of annual visits to an off -leash area, by distance off -leash area is from residency............................................................................................. . Figure C3. Location of residency for those purchasing a Three Rivers Park District annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass................................................................................. Figure C4. Distribution of female and male visitors at the Park District's two most visited off - leashareas............................................................................................ Figure C5. Age distribution, comparison between those visiting the Park District's two most visited off -leash dog areas and those residing in surrounding areas ......................... Figure C6. Number of years that respondents have visited a particular off -leash area ................. Figure C7. Length of visit at an off -leash area, comparison between park locations ................... Conflicts, Safety & Crowding Figure D1. Have you experienced a conflict at this off -leash area during the past year? .................... Figure D2. Have respondents noticed the posted safety reminders? ................................................... Figure D3. Did respondents modify their behavior due to the posted safety precautions? ................. Figure D4. Perception of personal safety, safety for pets and safety of parked vehicles. ............... Figure D5. Perception of crowding at off -leash areas on weekends and holidays, comparison by parklocation......................................................................................... Figure D6. Perception of crowding at off -leash areas on weekdays, comparison by park location... Figure D7. Perception of crowding at off -leash areas, comparison between weekdays & weekends. Visitor Satisfaction Figure Fl. Type of pass that respondents purchased to use at an off -leash area ......................... Figure F2. Satisfaction with the distance off -leash areas are from home. Comparison between milestraveled........................................................................................ Figure F3. Why respondents at Elm Creek Park Reserve were dissatisfied with the cleanliness and maintenance of the off -leash area................................................................. Figure F4. Dissatisfaction with the cleanliness and maintenance of the off -leash area at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Comparison between frequency of use .......................................... Figure F5. Satisfaction with the parking areas. Comparison between park locations ................... viii 3 3 4 4 6 7 7 9 10 11 11 12 12 16 16 16 21 23 25 25 26 Background Visitor Study Objectives The following were primary objectives of the study conducted at the off -leash dog areas at Cleary Lake Regional Park (RP) and Elm Creek Park Reserve (PR). 1. Determine if and how visitation patterns change throughout the year. 2. Identify the market profile of individuals and groups who visit the off -leash dog areas. 3. Determine the frequency that visitors to the off -leash dog areas visit a Three Rivers Park District (Park District) turf trail that is not part of an off -leash dog area. 4. Calculate the average length of time that visitors stay at the off -leash dog areas. 5. Understand why visitor conflicts occur and measure the percent of visitors who have experienced a conflict at the off -leash dog areas being studied. 6. Measure the impact that posted safety reminders have on those visiting the off -leash dog areas. 7. Compare and measure the perception of safety for individuals, pets, and vehicles at the off -leash dog areas. 8. Identify factors most influential in an individual's decision to visit an off -leash dog area. 9. Determine if visitors believe the fee charged to use the off -leash dog areas in the Park District are "too low", "about right", or "too high". 10. Compare and measure satisfaction that visitors have with 12 aspects of the off -leash dog areas. Methods Data was collected from individuals using the off -leash dog areas at Cleary Lake RP and Elm Creek PR from November 2004 through May 2006. During this time off -leash dog area visitors were greeted by the Park District's Research and Evaluation staff and given a questionnaire that could be completed and returned immediately or taken home and mailed to the Park District's Administrative Center (Appendix A). Because of staff availability, one-half of the questionnaires were distributed in 2005 during June, July and August (Table A1). Because the unbalanced sampling schedule was not parallel to visitation patterns throughout the study period, analysis was done to determine if responses significantly varied by the season questionnaires were completed. Data was not weighted to reflect actual seasonal visitation patterns because selected study results (visitor characteristics, perception of safety, factors most important, and satisfaction) did not differ by season. Table Al. Season and day that auestionnaires were distributed to visitors Number of Completed Questionnaires Weekdays Weekends & Holidays Total Location & Season Cleary Lake RP 100 105 205 Spring (March -May) 12 20 32 Summer (June -August) 64 63 127 Fall (September -November) 8 5 13 Winter (December -February) 16 17 33 Elm Creek PR 100 103 203 Spring (March -May) 35 28 63 Summer (June -August) 33 45 78 Fall (September -November) 17 14 31 Winter (December -February) 15 16 31 Total 200 208 408 Spring (March -May) 47 48 95 Summer (June -August) 97 108 205 Fall (September -November) 25 19 44 Winter (December -February) 31 33 1 64 Response Rate The overall response rate was 63 percent, with response rates of 61 percent at Cleary Lake RP and 65 percent at Elm Creek PR. Study results reported for all respondents have a margin of error of +/- five percent at the 95 percent confidence level. Results reported for a specific park location have a margin of error of +/- seven percent. Study Limitations Though this study provides a number of interesting and valuable findings, consideration should be given to the following points before study results are applied. Definitions 1. Data was not collected from non -respondents to assure that their characteristics and attitudes were similar to respondents. 2. Questionnaires were only distributed to those visiting the off -leash dog areas; therefore, study results may not be representative of all dog owners residing near Cleary Lake RP or Elm Creek PR. 1. Probability of Difference is expressed as a percentage and refers to the chance that the behavior or perception of respondents with a specific characteristic (i.e. Cleary Lake RP visitor) is different than respondents with other characteristics (i.e. Elm Creek PR visitor). 2. Off -leash areas refer to those areas where dogs are allowed to run free and are not required to be on a leash. Visitation to Off -leash Areas Visitation to the Park District's off -leash areas has increased rapidly in the last five years with annual visits during 2005 estimated at 37,000 for Elm Creek PR, 25,000 at Cleary Lake RP, 8,000 at Crow -Hassan PR, and 5,000 at Lake Sarah RP. Respondents were asked to indicate how many times they visited the off -leash area where they received the questionnaire in the past year. Based on results to this question, annual visits to the off - leash areas are distributed as follows: 27 percent in the summer (June — August), 26 percent in the spring (March — May), 25 percent in the fall (September — November), and 22 percent in the winter (December — February) (Figure B 1). Both off -leash areas studied recorded the heaviest use on weekend mornings and on weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A total of 1,813 households purchased an annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass from the Park District in 2005. This is 29 percent more households than in 2004 and an increase of 162 percent from 2000 (Figure B2). Though the increase in annual pass sales is encouraging, only 53 percent of the households that purchased an annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass in 2004 renewed their annual pass in 2005. Sales of daily Dog Off -leash Area Passes have also increased in recent years totaling 1,440 in 2003, 1,746 in 2004, and 2,163 in 2005. 2,000 1,800 1,600 1,400 s 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 According to the Park District's Cost Recovery Model (Three Rivers Park District, 2006), off -leash dog areas have been assigned to "Level Two" and have a goal of recovering 50 percent of their direct costs. Based on the Park District's 2004 budget, off -leash areas were projected for $37,040 in revenue and $20,477 of direct expenses. This calculates to a 181 percent recovery of cost, well above the 50 percent goal set for services located in "Level Two". Fall Winter 25% 22% Summer Spring 27% 26% Figure B1. Distribution of annual visits to the off -leash dog areas at Cleary Lake RP and Elm Creek PR. 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Figure B2. Number of households purchasing a Three Rivers Park District annual Dog Off -leash Area Pass. Table D3. How safe do you feel vour vehicle and the possessions in vour vehicle are when visiting this off -leash area? Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very unsafe, 2=unsafe, 3=safe, and 4=very safe. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p50.05). Percent of Respondents Very Very Probability of Unsafe Unsafe Safe Safe Respondent Subgroups n Mean Median Difference (1) (2) (3) (4) Park Cleary Lake RP 202 3.48 3.0 0.5 0.5 50.0 49.0 >9 9% Visited Elm Creek PR 201 3.20 3.0 2.0 3.5 67.2 27.4 Day of Weekday 193 3.32 3.0 1.6 1.6 60.6 36.3 57/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 196 3.36 3.0 1.0 2.0 56.6 40.3 Less than 4 43 3.30 3.0 0.0 2.3 65.1 32.6 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 125 3.31 3.0 48% 0.0 2.4 64.0 33.6 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 77 3.20 3.0 2.6 3.9 64.9 28.6 Number of Years One or Fewer 182 3.43 3.0 0.5 0.5 54.4 44.5 Visiting this Dog >990/0 Off -leash Area More than One 194 3.26 3.0 1 1 1.5 3.6 61.9 33.0 Number of Times in Zero 217 3.37 3.0 1.4 1.8 54.8 41.9 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 62 3.47 3.0 57% 0.0 0.0 53.2 46.8 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 40 3.25 3.0 2.5 0.0 67.5 30.0 5 Miles or Less 140 3.27 3.0 3.6 2.9 56.4 37.1 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 141 3.36 3.0 89% 0.0 2.1 59.6 38.3 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 111 3.40 3.0 0.0 0.9 58.6 40.5 Number of Dogs One 263 3.38 3.00.4 1.5 57.8 40.3 Brought to the Dog 96% Off -leash Area Two or More 140 3.26 3.0 2.9 2.9 60.0 34.3 Number of People One 246 3.33 3.0 1.2 2.8 58.1 37.8 0 33 /o in Group Two or More 154 1 3.35 3.0 1 1.3 1 0.6 59.7 38.3 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 119 3.20 3.0 1.7 3.4 68.1 26.9 Conflict at the Dog >99% Off -leash Area in No 282 3.40 3.0 1.1 1.4 54.3 43.3 the Last Year 16 to 34 108 3.38 3.0 0.0 0.0 62.0 38.0 Age of 35 to 54 232 3.32 3.0 70% 1.3 2.2 59.5 37.1 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.38 3.0 2.0 4.0 48.0 46.0 Sex of Female 273 3.33 3.0 0.7 2.2 60.4 36.6 28% Respondent Male 125 3.35 3.0 2.4 1.6 54.4 41.6 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 403 3.34 3.0 --- 1.2 2.0 58.6 38.2 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very unsafe, 2=unsafe, 3=safe, and 4=very safe. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p50.05). Table D2. How safe do you feel you and those with you are when visiting this off -leash area? Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very unsafe, 2=unsafe, 3=safe, and 4=very safe. Significant difference between subgroups were not identified (p<0.05). 14 Percent of Respondents Very Very Probability of Unsafe Unsafe Safe Safe Respondent Subgroups n Mean Median Difference (1) (2) (3) (4) Park Cleary Lake RP 202 3.60 4.0 0.5 0.0 38.1 61.4 78/o 0 Visited Elm Creek PR 200 3.54 4.0 0.5 0.0 44.5 55.0 Day of Weekday 193 3.55 4.0 1.0 0.0 41.5 57.5 55/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 195 3.60 4.0 0.0 0.0 40.5 59.5 Less than 4 43 3.54 4.0 0.0 0.0 46.5 53.5 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 124 3.61 4.0 41% 0.0 0.0 39.5 60.5 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 77 3.56 4.0 1.3 0.0 40.3 58.4 Number of Years One or Fewer 182 3.57 4.0 0.5 0.0 41.8 57.7 Visiting this Dog 44% Off -leash Area More than One 194 3.60 4.0 0.5 0.0 38.7 60.8 Number of Times in Zero 217 3.56 4.0 0.9 0.0 41.0 58.1 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 62 3.68 4.0 42% 0.0 0.0 32.3 67.7 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 39 3.56 4.0 0.0 0.0 43.6 56.4 5 Miles or Less 139 3.55 4.0 1.4 0.0 41.0 57.6 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 141 3.56 4.0 67% 0.0 0.0 44.0 56.0 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 111 3.62 4.0 0.0 0.0 37.8 62.2 Number of Dogs One 262 3.56 4.0 0.4 0.0 42.7 56.9 Brought to the Dog 44% Off -leash Area Two or More 140 3.59 4.0 0.7 0.0 38.6 60.7 Number of People One 245 3.59 4.0 0.4 0.0 40.0 59.6 0 57/0 in Group Two or More 154 1 3.55 4.0 0.6 0.0 43.5 55.8 Has Respondent Experienced a I es 119 3.50 4.0 0.8 0.0 47.1 52.1 Conflict at the Dog 92% Off -leash Area in No 281 3.61 4.0 0.4 0.0 38.4 61.2 the Last Year 16 to 34 108 3.57 4.0 0.0 0.0 43.5 56.5 Age of 35 to 54 231 3.59 4.0 49% 0.4 0.0 39.4 60.2 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.56 4.0 2.0 0.0 38.0 60.0 Sex of Female 272 3.58 4.0 0.0 0.0 41.9 58.1 39/o 0 Respondent Male 125 3.55 4.0 1.6 0.0 40.0 58.4 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 402 3.57 4.0 --- 0.5 0.0 41.3 58.2 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very unsafe, 2=unsafe, 3=safe, and 4=very safe. Significant difference between subgroups were not identified (p<0.05). 14 Table E1. Features that respondents at Cleary Lake RP reported were most important for off -leash areas to include. Recommended Features (in order of importance) Total Importance Points' Percent of Respondents Rating the Feature... Most Im ortant 2nd Most Im ortant 3rd Most Im ortant Fencing Completely fenced in pet area, tall and secure fencing Fenced pond Double gated entry 284 198 54 32 41.4 31.7 5.9 3.8 11.8 4.3 4.8 2.7 4.8 2.7 1.6 0.5 Water availability General availabili4l Drinking water Clean swimming pond Rinsing area with warm water for dogs 219 122 62 33 2 14.5 9.7 4.8 0.0 0.0 28.0 15.1 5.9 7.0 0.0 18.4 6.5 7.0 3.8 1.1 Trail availability Well-maintained trails Trails (general) Wide trails 89 48 40 1 6.5 3.8 2.7 0.0 10.2 5.4 4.8 0.0 8.1 3.8 3.8 0.5 Large natural area 75 10.2 1.6 3.2 More dog bag stations throughout area 62 6.5 4.3 5.4 More trash cans 48 2.7 5.4 7.0 Ground cover or gravel to prevent mud 47 0.5 9.7 4.3 Safe environment for both pets and people 40 4.8 1.6 3.8 Restroom with toilet paper 30 0.5 3.2 8.1 Clean and maintained area 27 2.2 5.4 4.3 Varied terrain (slopes, grasses, water) 24 1.1 3.2 3.2 Availability to use after sunset, including lighting 23 2.7 1.1 2.2 Shade trees 19 1.1 3.2 0.5 Sheltered picnic table 17 1.1 2.7 0.5 Owner accountability 16 1.6 1.1 1.6 Clearly posted rules 14 0.5 1.6 2.7 Ample paved parking with easy access 10 1.1 0.0 2.2 Close location to our home 7 0.0 1.1 1.6 More mowed areas for exercise 5 0.0 1.1 0.5 Fun place to enjoy family time 4 0.5 0.0 0.0 Gathering area away from entrance 4 0.0 1.1 0.0 Convenience items 4 0.0 0.5 1.1 Other dog interaction 3 0.0 0.0 1.6 Access to an emergency phone 3 0.0 0.5 0.5 Park employee presence and police follow-up if there is an issue 3 0.0 0.5 0.5 Hand sanitizer 3 0.5 0.0 0.0 Separate cooling off dog run 3 0.0 0.5 0.5 Benches 3 0.0 0.0 1.6 Water bowls 2 0.0 0.5 0.0 Warming house for winter 2 0.0 0.5 0.0 Agility course/equipment 2 0.0 0.0 1.1 Mosquito/tick control 1 0.0 0.0 0.5 Burr control 1 0.0 0.0 0.5 Cost of annual permit 1 0.0 0.0 0.5 Suggestion box 1 0.0 1 0.0 1 0.5 Note: Some columns do not add up to 100 percent because some respondents did not list three features. 1 Importance points calculated by assigning three points to a feature rated as most important, two points for features rated second in importance, and one point for features rated third in importance. z Though listed features within this category did not specify if they referred to swimming water or drinking water, the later is assumed. 18 Table F2. Features that respondents at Elm Creek PR reported were most important for off -leash areas to include. Recommended Features (in order of importance) Total Importance Points' Percent of Respondents Rating the Feature.... Most __!Tportant 2nd Most Important 3rd Most Important Fencing Completely fenced in pet area, tall and secure fencing Double gated entry 248 241 7 37.7 37.2 0.5 5.8 5.3 0.5 7.0 5.9 1.1 Water availability Clean swimming pond Drinking water General availability Rinsing area with warm water for dogs 205 112 61 26 6 16.0 8.0 6.9 0.0 1.1 22.4 14.9 4.8 2.7 0.0 16.5 5.9 2.1 8.5 0.0 Trail availability Trails (general) Well-maintained traits Long trails 171 93 76 2 14.3 9.0 5.3 0.0 18.6 8.0 10.1 0.5 10.7 6.4 4.3 0.0 Large natural area 112 11.2 6.9 6.9 More trash cans 80 3.2 14.4 4.3 More dog bag stations throughout area 59 2.7 6.4 10.6 Restroom with toilet paper 45 1.1 6.9 6.9 Ample paved parking with easy access 29 0.5 2.7 8.5 Varied terrain (slopes, grasses, water) 27 1.1 3.7 3.7 Safe environment for both pets and people 19 2.7 0.0 2.1 Owner accountability 15 1.1 1.6 1.6 Park employee presence and police follow-up if there is an issue 12 1.1 1.1 1.1 Clean and maintained area 11 0.0 1.6 3.2 Availability to use after sunset, including lighting 11 1.6 0.0 1.1 Close location to our home 11 1.1 0.5 1.6 Other dog interaction 11 1.1 0.0 2.7 More mowed areas for exercise 9 0.5 1.6 0.0 Water bowls 8 0.5 1.1 0.5 Warming house for winter 7 0.0 1.6 0.5 Clearly posted rules 6 0.5 0.0 1.6 Sheltered picnic table 6 0.0 0.5 2.1 Benches 5 0.0 0.5 1.6 Agility course/equipment 4 0.0 1.1 0.0 Ground cover or gravel to prevent mud 4 0.5 0.0 0.5 Shade trees 3 0.0 0.5 0.5 Contact phone number if there is a problem with restroom 3 0.5 0.0 0.0 Bring water when hot 3 0.5 0.0 0.0 Parking enforcement and permit pass 3 0.5 0.0 0.0 Mosquito/tick control 2 0.0 0.5 0.0 Enjoying the outdoors 1 0.0 0.0 0.5 Small dog area 1 0.0 1 0.0 1 0.5 Note: Some columns do not add up to 100 percent because some respondents did not list three features. Importance points calculated by assigning three points to a feature rated as most important, two points for features rated second in importance, and one point for features rated third in importance. 2 Though listed features within this category did not specify if they referred to swimming water or drinking water, the later is assumed. 19 Table E3. Importance of the following factors in respondents' decision to visit the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park. 1 Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. Z Mean scores calculated by using 1=not at all important, 2=not important, 3=important, and 4=very important. Table E4. Importance of the following factors in respondents' decision to visit the off -leash area at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Percent of Respondents Not At All Not Very Important Important Important Important Evaluation Items' n Mean Median (1) (2) (3) (4) Pond being fenced 205 3.63 4.0 1.0 4.9 24.4 69.8 Site cleanliness and maintenance 205 3.57 4.0 0.5 1.5 38.5 59.5 Close to home 205 3.22 3.0 3.9 11.2 -------------- 43.4 -- 41.5 ------------------------------------------ Site contains large non -mowed areas -------- 205 ------------------- 3.13 3.0 -------------- 3.4 14.1 48.3 34.1 Site contains large mowed areas 205 3.12 3.0 4.9 17.1 39.5 38.5 Opportunity to experience nature 205 -------- I 3.01 ------------------- 3.0 3.4 ---------------------------------------------- 15.1 59.0 22.4 --------------- ------------------------------------------ Site contains a bathroom 205 2.99 3.0 3.4 22.9 45.4 28.3 Site contains a pond 205 2.89 3.0 6.8 25.9 38.5 28.8 Site contains picnic tables 205 -------- 2.55 ------------------- 3.0 9.3 ----- 40.5 ----- 36.6 13.7 ------------------------------------------ Activitwith famil and friends 205 2.44 3.0 16.1 32.2 42.9 8.8 Feeling of solitude and privacy 203 2.35 2.0 15.3 42.9 34.0 7.9 Chance to be around other people 204 2.24 2.0 17.6 45.6 31.9 4.9 1 Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. Z Mean scores calculated by using 1=not at all important, 2=not important, 3=important, and 4=very important. Table E4. Importance of the following factors in respondents' decision to visit the off -leash area at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. 2 Mean scores calculated by using I=not at all important, 2=not important, 3=important, and 4=very important. 20 Percent of Respondents Not At All Not Very Important Important Important Important Evaluation Items' n Mean Median (1) (2) (3) (4) Site contains wooded area 203 3.44 4.0 1.0 4.4 44.3 50.3 Site cleanliness and maintenance 203 3.44 3.0 1.0 1.0 51.2 46.8 Close to home 202 3.18 3.0 4.0 12.9 ------------------------------- 44.6 38.6 --------------- ------------------------------------------ Opportunity to experience nature -------- 203 ------------------- 3.11 3.0 -------------- 1.5 14.3 56.2 28.1 Site contains large non -mowed areas 203 3.09 3.0 2.0 19.7 45.8 32.5 Site contains large mowed areas 202 -------- 2.96 ------------------- 3.0 6.9 -------------- 23.8 ------------------------------- 36.1 33.2 --------------- ------------------------------------------ Site contains a pond 200 2.95 3.0 11.0 20.5 31.0 37.5 Site contains a bathroom 203 2.86 3.0 7.9 25.6 38.9 27.6 Site contains picnic tables ------------------------------------------ 202 -------- 2.48 ------------------- 2.0 16.8 -------------- 34.7 ------ 32.7 15.8 Feeling of solitude and privacy 203 2.42 2.0 15.8 35.5 39.4 9.4 Activity with family and friends 203 2.41 2.0 20.2 33.5 31.5 14.8 Chance to be around other people 202 2.35 2.0 22.3 33.7 31.2 12.9 Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. 2 Mean scores calculated by using I=not at all important, 2=not important, 3=important, and 4=very important. 20 Visitor Satisfaction Perception of Fees The majority (90.6%) of respondents indicated having a current annual Off -leash Dog Area Pass, six percent purchased a daily pass, and three percent had not purchased a pass (Figure F 1). Ten of the 12 individuals who reported not purchasing a pass indicated using an off -leash area without paying and two respondents received a free pass because they were active Park District volunteers. The type of pass purchased to use the off -leash areas did not vary significantly by park location. Daily Pass 7° Other Ll Pass Figure Fl. Type of pass that respondents purchased to use an off -leash area. Respondents were asked if the fee to use the off -leash area was too low, about right, or too high (Table F 1). Overall, it appears that visitors are satisfied with the fee charged with 92 percent of respondents reporting the fee was too low or about right. Analysis was done to identify if reactions to the fee significantly varied based on three factors: the type of pass a respondent purchased, which off -leash area a respondent was visiting, and by a respondent's annual household income. Results indicate the fee was perceived as being too low or about right significantly more frequently by those who purchased a $30 annual pass (95.8%) compared with those who purchased a $25 annual pass (87.3%) or daily pass (69.2%). Fifty percent of those who used an off -leash area without paying indicated the fee was too high. As expected, it appears that off -leash area visitors were pleased when the Park District eliminated parking fees in 2005 (prior to 2005 off -leash area visitors were required to have a valid parking pass and a current activity pass) and increased the off -leash annual pass from $25 to $30. The percent of respondents who reported the annual Off -leash Dog Area Pass was priced too high decreased by one-third (from 12.7% to 4.2%) when this change occurred. Significant differences in how the fee was perceived were not identified between visitors at different park locations or those with different annual household incomes. Table Fl. Response to. "How annropriate was the fee chareed to use this off -leash dop- area?" Note: Distribution of responses were significantly different (p=0.05) by the type of pass purchased. 21 Number of Percent of Respondents Too Low About Right Too High Type of Pass Purchased Respondents $4 or $5 Daily Pass 26 3.8 65.4 30.8 $25 Annual Pass 79 3.8 83.5 12.7 Type of Pass Purchased $30 Annual Pass 288 4.9 91.0 4.2 Did Not Pay 8 0.0 50.0 50.0 Cleary Lake RP 203 3.0 90.1 6.9 Park Location Elm Creek PR 201 6.0 84.1 10.0 $49,999 or Below 57 3.5 91.2 5.3 Annual Household Income $50,000 to $99,999 178 3.9 87.1 9.0 $100,000 or Above 131 5.3 85.5 9.2 Total 404 4.5 187.1 8.4 Note: Distribution of responses were significantly different (p=0.05) by the type of pass purchased. 21 For the past two years the Park District's research section has selected visitors to evaluate the appropriateness of the fee they paid to participate in a particular activity. To date, fee related information has been collected from over 2,600 visitors participating in one of the following activities: cross-country skiing, practicing golf at driving ranges, golfing, camping, visiting off -leash areas, participating in instructor -led programs, or swimming at chlorinated swim ponds. Results shown in Table F2 are broken down by the specific fee that a respondent paid, and by the location where the respondent paid the fee. At least 95 percent of the respondents in the following five subgroups reported the fee they paid was "too low" or "about right". Respondent Subgroups • Primitive Campground at Baker PR • Chlorinated Swim Ponds ($10 season pass) • Instructor -led Programs ($4 or less) • Off -leash Dog Area ($30 annual pass) • Chlorinated Swim Pond ($1 daily pass) Percent Indicating that Fee was Too Low or About Right 100 98.5 96.5 95.8 95.1 From these five subgroups, the two activity fees that users were most likely to report as being "too low" were the $10 season pass for the chlorinated swim ponds (10.3%) and the $30 annual off -leash pass (4.9%). Appendix C lists the fees charged at most of the off -leash areas in the Twin Cities seven -county area. Table F2. Public reaction to Park District fees, comparison between seven activities. In addition to the fee paid, users were also required to purchase a parking permit (excluding those purchasing a $5 daily pass for the pet exercise area in 2005-2006). 22 Location or Number of Percent of Respondents Too Low About Ri ht Too High Research Study and Year Fee Paid Respondents $4 to $5 Daily Pass' 25 4.0 64.0 32.0 Off -leash Dog Areas $25 Annual Pass' 75 4.0 82.7 13.3 2004-2006 $30 Annual Pass 283 4.9 90.8 4.2 Chlorinated Swim Ponds $1 Daily 164 1.8 93.3 4.9 2005 $10 Season Pass 194 10.3 88.1 1.5 $4 or Less 86 1.2 95.3 3.5 Instructor -led Programs $5 to $9 217 3.7 88.0 8.3 2004-2005 $10 or More 158 1.3 84.2 14.6 Electric $18 (Baker)' 88 0.0 90.9 9.1 Campgrounds Primitive $13 (Baker)' 47 0.0 100 0.0 2004 Primitive $10 (Carver)' 77 1.3 90.9 7.8 Baker National 65 6.2 84.6 9.2 Golf Courses Cleary Lake 44 0.0 77.3 22.7 2004 Eagle Lake 61 1.6 85.2 13.1 Glen Lake 48 0.0 79.2 20.8 Baker National 45 4.4 82.2 13.3 Driving Ranges Cleary Lake 24 0.0 62.5 37.5 2004 Eagle Lake 42 0.0 66.7 33.3 Glen Lake 48 0.0 50.0 50.0 $2 Daily (Park Patrons) 280 3.2 18.1 15.7 Cross-country Skiing $4 Daily (non -Park Patrons) 160 0.6 83.1 16.2 2004 $40 Season Pass 398 7.5 76.9 15.6 In addition to the fee paid, users were also required to purchase a parking permit (excluding those purchasing a $5 daily pass for the pet exercise area in 2005-2006). 22 Satisfaction of Facilities & Services Respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with 12 items during their visit to the off -leash area using a scale from one to four with one being "very dissatisfied", two being "dissatisfied", three being "satisfied", and four being "very satisfied". Table F3 shows the satisfaction ratings for those visiting Cleary Lake RP and Table F4 provides the satisfaction ratings for those visiting Elm Creek PR. The three evaluation items receiving the highest satisfaction ratings at both park locations were the design and layout of the off -leash area, the size of the off -leash area, and the natural elements (grass, trees, and water) included in the off -leash area. More than 50 percent of respondents were very satisfied with these items, which is the highest rating possible. All three of these items obtained mean ratings of 3.50 or higher and had median scores of 4.0. The cleanliness and maintenance of the off -leash area at Cleary Lake RP was the only other item that received similar ratings (mean=3.45 and median=4.0). The parking area at Elm Creek PR was the evaluation item receiving the lowest satisfaction rating. Nearly one- third (31.4%) of respondents reported they were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the parking area. This item had a mean rating of 2.77, which is between the ratings of dissatisfied and satisfied, and a 3.0 median. Other evaluation items receiving dissatisfied ratings by more than 10 percent of respondents included the cleanliness and maintenance at Elm Creek PR (18.0%), distance of Cleary Lake RP from home (14.3%), distance of Elm Creek PR from home (14.1 %), and enforcement of rules and regulations at Elm Creek PR (14.0%). Explanations for why respondents were dissatisfied with an evaluation item are documented in Appendix D. Responses for each evaluation item were analyzed to identify if satisfaction significantly differed (95% confidence level, p<0.05) between selected subgroups. The most frequent difference in satisfaction identified was between those visiting Cleary Lake RP and those visiting Elm Creek PR. In eight of the 12 evaluation items tested, satisfaction was significantly higher for respondents at Cleary Lake RP than for respondents at Elm Creek PR. Based on these results, it appears that visitors to the off -leash area at Cleary Lake RP are more satisfied than visitors at the Elm Creek PR off -leash area. Distance from Home Eight -six percent of respondents at Cleary Lake RP and Elm Creek PR were satisfied or very satisfied with the distance the off -leash areas were to their home (Table F5). Significant differences in satisfaction ratings were only identified between those residing at different distances from the off -leash areas. Not surprising, satisfaction decreased the further one lived from an off -leash area. Satisfaction with the distance to the off -leash areas varied from 100 percent of those living within five miles, 95 percent of those residing six to ten miles, 68 percent for respondents who lived between 11 and 15 miles, 56 percent for those residing 16 to 20 miles away, and 27 percent for those living further than 20 miles away (Figure F2). 100 w 80 5 i+ y v� = 60 4i O O G 40 u a 20 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 or More Number of Miles from Home to the Off -leash Area Figure F2. Satisfaction with the distance off -leash areas are from home. Comparison between miles traveled. 23 Behavior of Other People Satisfaction with the behavior of other people at both off -leash areas was high, with 96 percent of all respondents being satisfied or very satisfied (Table F6). Significant differences in satisfaction ratings were only identified between those who had experienced a conflict at the off -leash area during the past year (88.4% satisfied) and those who had not experienced a conflict in the past year (99.3% satisfied). Though behavior of other people was not a major problem, the two issues identified most frequently were unsupervised dogs and dog owners who neglected to clean up after their dog. Ease of Obtaining a Use Permit Satisfaction with obtaining a use permit was also high, with 95 percent of all respondents being satisfied or very satisfied (Table F7). Satisfaction with obtaining a use permit did not vary by the type of pass purchased (annual or daily) or by whether a parking permit was required in addition to the use permit. Dissatisfaction was similarly low for both respondents approached on weekdays and those contacted on weekends, but for reasons unknown the degree of satisfaction was significantly higher for those completing a questionnaire on weekends (47.6% very satisfied) compared with those visiting on weekdays (35.6% very satisfied). Rules for Using Site Ninety-six percent of all respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the rules for using the off --leash areas (Table F8). The degree of satisfaction was significantly higher for those visiting Cleary Lake RP (42.3% very satisfied) compared with those visiting Elm Creek PR (31.3% very satisfied), and for respondents who had not experienced a conflict at the off -leash area during the past year (39.9% very satisfied) compared with those who had experienced a conflict in the past year (29.3% very satisfied). The most frequent issues identified were people not knowing the rules and that operating hours are restricted to daylight hours. Enforcement of Rules and Regulations Eighty-eight percent of all respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the enforcement of rules and regulations (Table F9). Satisfaction was significantly higher for respondents who had not experienced a conflict during the past year (93.2% satisfied) compared with those who had experienced a conflict during the past year (78.1% satisfied). Satisfaction was also higher for those visiting Cleary Lake RP compared with those visiting Elm Creek PR. The satisfaction difference between park location however, is a result of more conflicts being reported at Elm Creek PR than at Cleary Lake RP. Satisfaction with the,enforcement of rules and regulations is not significantly different between park locations when results are only taken from those individuals who indicated experiencing a conflict in the past year. Similarly, satisfaction ratings were not significantly different between park locations when data from only those who did not experience a conflict was used. When reading the comments in Appendix D outlining why respondents were dissatisfied with the enforcement of rules and regulations, it becomes clear that the perceived problem is a lack of enforcement inside the fenced in off -leash area and not the style or personality of those who enforce the rules. Comments from two respondents are shown below. "I always see park staff writing tickets, but NEVER see them patrolling INSIDE the park and meeting patrons. That is my biggest gripe." "There seems to be nobody enforcing the rules except for parking. It would be helpful if there were staff visiting during heavy use (weekends, mornings) to promote good behavior of pets." 24 Cleanliness and Maintenance of Site Eighty-eight percent of all respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the cleanliness and maintenance of the site (Table 1710). Satisfaction was significantly higher for those at Cleary Lake RP (94.6% satisfied) compared with those at Elm Creek PR (82.0% satisfied). Dissatisfaction at Elm Creek PR was primarily due to muddy trails and pet owners not picking up after their dogs (Figure F3). Trash on Grounds 6% Muddy Tra 49% Dirty Pond ,xcessive Dog Feces 30% Dirty Bathroom 3% Figure F3. Why respondents at Elm Creek PR were dissatisfied with the cleanliness and maintenance of the off -leash area. Satisfaction also varied by how often a respondent visited the off -leash areas. Overall, 24 percent of those visiting 15 or more times a month indicated they were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied. In comparison, only five percent of those visiting less than 15 times per month were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied. This difference was magnified at Elm Creek PR, but was non-existent at Cleary Lake RP. The percent of respondents at Elm Creek PR who were dissatisfied ranged from two percent of those who visited five or fewer times a month to 46 percent of those who visited an average of 26 or more times a month (Figure 174). These findings may indicate that frequent visitors are most negatively impacted when issues regarding cleanliness and maintenance arise. 50 45 40 y h 35 y d 30 ^o A c 25 �• a 20 15 a 10 1 to 5 6 to 15 16 to 25 26 or More Average Number of Visits Per Month Figure F4. Dissatisfaction with the cleanliness and maintenace of the off -leash area at Elm Creek PR. Comparison between frequency of use. 25 Table F3. Satisfaction with the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park. 'Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. 2 Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Table F4. Satisfaction with the off -leash area at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Percent of Respondents Very Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Evaluation Items' n Mean Median (1) (2) (3) (4) Design and layout of pet exercise area 201 3.69 4.0 0.0 1.0 29.4 69.7 Size of pet exercise area 203 3.66 4.0 0.0 2.0 30.5 67.5 Natural elements (grass, trees, water) 203 3.56 4.0 0.0 3.9 36.0 60.1 ------------------------------------------ Cleanliness and maintenance of site -------- 204 ------------------- 3.45 4.0 ---------------------------------------------- 1.5 3.9 42.6 --------------- 52.0 Rules of using site 201 3.38 3.0 0.0 4.0 53.7 42.3 Staff and volunteer service 138 3.38 3.0 0.0 1.4 59.4 39.1 Ease of obtaining a use permit 199 3.37 3.0 1.5 3.5 51.3 43.7 Parking areas 201 3.28 3.0 0.0 8.0 55.7 36.3 Distance from home ------------------------------------------ 197 3.25 3.0 3.6 10.7 42.6 43.1 Behavior of other people -------- 200 ------------------- 3.20 3.0 -------------- 0.5 ------------------------------- 5.0 69.0 --------------- 25.5 Restrooms 173 3.17 3.0 0.6 5.8 69.9 23.7 Enforcement of rules and regulations 195 3.14 3.0 0.5 8.7 66.7 24.1 'Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. 2 Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Table F4. Satisfaction with the off -leash area at Elm Creek Park Reserve. ' Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. 2 Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. 28 Percent of Respondents Very Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Satisfied Evaluation Items' n Mean Median (1) (2) (3) (4) Design and layout of pet exercise area 201 3.55 4.0 0.5 1.0 41.8 56.7 Natural elements (grass, trees, water) 200 3.55 4.0 0.5 3.0 38.0 58.5 Size of pet exercise area 201 3.51 4.0 0.5 4.5 38.3 56.7 Ease of obtaining a use permit 190 3.33 3.0 2.1 3.2 54.2 40.5 Rules of using site 195 3.25 3.0 1.5 3.1 64.1 31.3 Distance from home 198 3.25 3.0 3.0 11.1 43.9 41.9 Behavior of other people 199 3.22 3.0 0.5 2.0 72.4 25.1 Staff and volunteer service 113 3.13 3.0 0.0 8.0 70.8 21.2 Cleanliness and maintenance of site ------------------------------------------ 200 -------- 3.06 3.0 0.5 17.5 57.5 24.5 Restrooms 175 ------------------- 3.06 3.0 -------------- 0.6 -------------- 7.4 ---------------- 77.7 --------------- 14.3 Enforcement of rules and regulations 185 2.98 3.0 3.2 10.8 70.3 15.7 Parking areas 198 2.77 3.0 5.1 26.3 55.6 13.1 ' Evaluation items are ranked from highest mean score to lowest mean score. 2 Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. 28 Table F5. Satisfaction with distance from home. Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 29 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 197 3.25 3.0 3.6 10.7 42.6 43.1 6/o 0 Visited Elm Creek PR 198 3.25 3.0 3.0 11.1 43.9 41.9 Day of Weekday 189 3.32 3.0 2.1 8.5 45.0 44.4 87/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 193 3.20 3.0 4.1 14.0 39.9 42.0 Less than 4 61 3.11 3.0 3.3 14.8 49.2 32.8 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 104 3.32 3.0 86% 1.9 9.6 43.3 45.2 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 3.36 4.0 2.6 14.5 27.6 55.3 Number of Years One or Fewer 178 3.27 3.0 2.8 7.9 48.9 40.4 Visiting this Dog 5% Off -leash Area More than One 189 3.28 3.0 3.2 13.2 36.5 47.1 Number of Times in Zero 213 3.19 3.0 3.8 13.6 42.3 40.4 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 59 3.51 4.0 94% 0.0 5.1 39.0 55.9 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 39 3.10 3.0 7.7 7.7 51.3 33.3 5 Miles or Less 139 3.74 4.0 0.0 0.0 25.9 74.1 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 142 3.35 3.0 99% 0.7 4.2 54.9 40.1 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 106 2.49 3.0 11.3 32.1 52.8 3.8' Number of Dogs One 260 3.27 3.0 2.3 11.5 43.1 43.1 Brought to the Dog 49% Off -leash Area Two or More 135 3.22 3.0 5.2 9.6 43.7 41.5 Number of People One 244 3.28 3.0 0 2.0 12.7 40.6 44.7 69/0 in Group Two or More 148 3.20 3.0 5.4 8.1 48.0 38.5 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 121 3.27 3.0 5.8 9.1 37.2 47.9 Conflict at the Dog 91% Off -leash Area in No 272 3.24 3.0 2.2 11.8 46.0 40.1 the Last Year 16 to 34 108 3.31 4.0 1.9 8.3 47.2 42.6 Age of 35 to 54 228 3.21 3.0 27% 3.5 12.3 44.3 .39.9 Respondent 55 & Over 48 3.35 3.5 2.1 10.4 37.5 50.0 Sex of Female 268 3.25 3.0 3.0 11.6 43.3 42.2 19/o 0 Respondent Male 124 3.27 3.0 3.2 9.7 44.4 42.7 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 395 3.25 3.0 --- 3.3 10.9 43.3 42.5 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 29 Table F6. Satisfaction with behavior of other people. Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 30 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 200 3.20 3.0 0.5 5.0 69.0 25.5 39/o ° Visited Elm Creek PR 199 3.22 3.0 0.5 2.0 72.4 25.1 Day of Weekday 193 3.20 3.0 1.0 4.1 68.9 25.9 40/o ° Visit Weekend or Holiday 192 3.22 3.0 0.0 2.1 73.4 24.5 Less than 4 60 3.08 3.0 0.0 3.3 85.0 11.7 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 105 3.16 3.0 61% 1.0 5.7 69.5 23.8 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 3.18 3.0 0.0 5.3 71.1 23.7 Number of Years One or Fewer 181 3.25 3.0 0.6 2.2 68.5 28.7 Visiting this Dog 86% Off -leash Area More than One 190 3.17 3.0 0.5 5.3 70.5 23.7 Number of Times in Zero 214 3.18 3.0 0.9 4.7 69.6 24.8 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 59 3.29 3.0 67% 0.0 0.0 71.2 28.8 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.12 3.0 0.0 2.4 82.9 14.6 5 Miles or Less 139 3.22 3.0 0.7 4.3 67.6 27.3 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 141 3.27 3.0 63% 0.0 2.1 68.8 29.1 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 110 3.12 3.0 0.9 4.5 76.4 18.2 Number of Dogs One 262 3.21 3.0 0.4 3.4 70.6 25.6 Brought to the Dog 24% Off -leash Area Two or More 137 3.20 3.0 0.7 3.6 70.8 24.8 Number of People One 245 3.18 3.0 0.4 4.5 71.4 23.7 in Group ° 75 /° Two or More 151 3.25 3.0 0.7 2.0 69.5 27.8 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 120 2.98 3.0 1.7 10.0 76.7 11.7 Conflict at the Dog 990/0 Off -leash Area in No 277 3.30 3.0 0.0 0.7 68.2 31.0 the Last Year 16 to 34 107 3.16 3.0 0.0 5.6 72.9 21.5 Age of Respondent 35 to 54 232 3.25 3.0 78% 0.9 2.2 67.7 29.3 55 & Over 49 3.12 3.0 0.0 6.1 75.5 18.4 Sex of Female 270 3.19 3.0 0.7 3.7 71.5 24.1 76/o ° Respondent Male 126 3.25 3.0 0.0 1 3.2 68.3 28.6 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 399 3.21 3.0 --- 0.5 3.5 70.7 25.3 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 30 Table F7. Satisfaction with ease of obtaining a use Dermit Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 31 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 199 3.37 3.0 1.5 3.5 51.3 43.7 47/o ° Visited Elm Creek PR 190 3.33 3.0 2.1 3.2 54.2 40.5 Day Weekday 188 3.27 3.0 1.6 5.3 57.4 35.6 of 98/o u Visit Weekend or Holiday 187 3.43 3.0 1.6 1.6 49.2 47.6 Less than 4 61 3.28 3.0 3.3 3.3 55.7 37.7 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 106 3.39 3.0 22% 0.9 2.8 52.8 43.4 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 3.45 3.0 1.3 1.3 48.7 48.7 Number of Years One or Fewer 175 3.34 3.0 2.3 3.4 52.0 42.3 Visiting this Dog 70% Off -leash Area More than One 192 3.41 3.0 1.0 2.6 50.5 45.8 Number of Times in Zero 210 3.32 3.0 1.9 4.8 52.4 41.0 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 59 3.36 3.0 32% 0.0 1.7 61.0 37.3 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.27 3.0 2.4 2.4 61.0 34.1 5 Miles or Less 134 3.40 3.0 0.7 1.5 55.2 42.5 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 138 3.35 3.0 64% 1.4 3.6 53.6 41.3 is from Your Home I 1 Miles or More 108 3.30 3.0 3.7 5.6 48.1 42.6 Number of Dogs One 258 3.36 3.0 2.3 3.1 51.2 43.4 Brought to the Dog 15% Off -leash Area Two or More 143 3.34 3.0 0.8 3.8 55.7 39.7 Number of People One 243 3.33 3.0 ° 0.8 3.7 57.6 37.9 in Group Two or More 143 3.39 3.0 63/° 3.5 2.8 45.5 48.3 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 117 3.39 3.0 0.0 4.3 52.1 43.6 Conflict at the Dog 69% Off -leash Area in No 270 3.33 3.0 2.6 3.0 53.0 41.5 the Last Year 16 to 34 100 3.38 3.0 2.0 2.0 52.0 44.0 Age of 35 to 54 228 3.33 3.0 38% 2.2 4.4 51.8 41.7 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.44 3.0 0.0 0.0. 56.0 44.0 Sex Female 263 3.37 3.0 1.5 3.4 52.1 43.0 of 43/o ° Respondent Male 123 3.33 3.0 2.4 3.3 53.7 40.7 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 389 3.35 3.0 --- 1.8 3.3 52.7 42.2 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 31 Table FR. Satisfaction with rules for using site Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 32 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 201 3.38 3.0 0.0 4.0 53.7 42.3 70f J8 Visited Elm Creek PR 195 3.25 3.0 1.5 3.1 64.1 31.3 Day of Weekday 189 3.27 3.0 0.5 5.8 59.8 33.9 84% Visit Weekend or Holiday 193 3.35 3.0 1.0 1.6 58.5 38.9 Less than 4 61 3.38 3.0 0.0 0.0 62.3 37.7 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 105 3.23 3.0 54% 1.9 6.7 58.1 33.3 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 3.30 3.0 1.3 5.3 55.3 38.2 Number of Years One or Fewer 178 3.35 3.0 0.0 3.9 57.3 38.8 Visiting this Dog 18% Off -leash Area More than One 191 3.34 3.0 1.0 3.1 57.1 38.7 Number of Times in Zero 212 3.33 3.0 0.5 4.2 57.1 38.2 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 61 3.31 3.0 87% 0.0 1.6 65.6 32.8 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.22 3.0 4.9 2.4 58.5 34.1 5 Miles or Less 137 3.25 3.0 1.5 4.4 62.0 32.1 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 141 3.38 3.0 40% 0.0 2.8 56.0 41.1 is from Your Home I I Miles or More 109 3.32 3.0 0.9 2.8 59.6 36.7 Number of Dogs One 260 3.35 3.0 0.8 2.7 57.7 38.8 Brought to the Dog 82% Off -leash Area Two or More 136 3.27 3.0 0.7 5.1 61.0 33.1 Number of People One 243 3.33 3.0 0 0.8 3.3 58.4 37.4 in Group Two or More 150 3.29 3.0 40/o 0.7 4.0 60.7 34.7 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 116 3.22 3.0 0.0 6.9 63.8 29.3 Conflict at the Dog 98% Off -leash Area in No 278 3.36 3.0 1.1 2.2 56.8 39.9 the Last Year 16 to 34 104 3.33 3.0 0.0 4.8 57.7 37.5 Age of 35 to 54 231 3.31 3.0 28% 0.9 3.5 59.7 35.9 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.44 3.0 0.0 2.0 52.0 46.0 Sex of Female 267 3.30 3.0 0.7 4.1 59.2 36.0 61/o 0 Respondent Male 126 3.36 3.0 0.8 2.457.1 39.7 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 396 3.32 3.0 --- 0.8 3.5 58.8 36.9 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 32 Table F9. Satisfaction with enforcement of rules and reeulations. Note: Mean scores calculated by using leery dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 33 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 195 3.14 3.0 u99/0 0.5 8.7 66.7 24.1 _ Visited Elm Creek PR 185 2.98 3.0 3.2 10.8 70.3 15.7 Day of Weekday 179 3.06 3.0 1.1 10.1 70.9 17.9 4/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 187 3.06 3.0 2.7 10.2 65.8 21.4 Less than 4 55 3.07 3.0 1.8 9.1 69.1 20.0 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 101 3.09 3.0 31% 0.0 13.9 63.4 22.8 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 2.99 3.0 2.6 14.5 64.5 18.4 Number of Years One or Fewer 172 3.07 3.0 1.7 10.5 66.9 20.9 Visiting this Dog 28% Off -leash Area More than One 183 3.09 3.0 1.6 8.7 68.3 21.3 Number of Times in Zero 203 3.07 3.0 2.0 9.9 67.5 20.7 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 60 3.12 3.0 18% 1.7 6.7 70.0 21.7 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 37 2.97 3.0 2.7 8.1 78.4 10.8 5 Miles or Less 134 3.01 3.0 1.5 13.4 67.2 17.9 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 134 3.16 3.0 85% 0.7 7.5 66.4 25.4 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 103 2.99 3.0 3.9 8.7 71.8 15.5 Number of Dogs One 252 3.06 3.0 0.8 10.7 69.8 18.7 Brought to the Dog 8% Off -leash Area Two or More 128 3.07 3.0 3.9 7.8 65.6 22.7 Number of People One 235 3.06 3.0 0 2.1 10.2 66.8 20.9 in Group Two or More 142 3.06 3.0 9/0 1.4 9.2 71.8 17.6 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 114 2.88 3.0 2.6 19.3 65.8 12.3 Conflict at the Dog 990/0 Off -leash Area in No 264 3.15 3.0 1.5 5.3 70.1 23.1 the Last Year 16 to 34 98 3.07 3.0 2.0 8.2 70.4 19.4 Age of 35 to 54 224 3.08 3.0 34% 0.9 10.7 67.4 21.0 Respondent 55 & Over 47 3.04 3.0 4.3 6.4 70.2 19.1 Sex of Female 256 3.07 3.0 1.2 9.8 69.5 19.5 29/o 0 Respondent Male 151 3.05 3.0 3.3 9.9 65.3 21.5 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 380 3.07 3.0 --- 1.8 9.7 68.4 20.0 Note: Mean scores calculated by using leery dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 33 Table F10. Satisfaction with cleanliness and maintenance of site. Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 34 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 204 3.45 4.0 1.5 3.9 42.6 52.0 94%0 Visited Elm Creek PR 200 3.06 3.0 0.5 17.5 57.5 24.5 Day of Weekday 193 3.25 3.0 0.0 10.4 54.4 35.2 1/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 197 3.25 3.0 2.0 11.7 45.7 40.6 Less than 4 61 3.36 3.0 0.0 4.9 54.1 41.0 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 107 3.33 3.0 99% 0.9 3.7 57.0 38.3 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 3.08 3.0 0.0 23.7 44.7 31.6 Number of Years One or Fewer 183 3.31 3.0 0.5 7.7 52.5 39.3 Visiting this Dog 59% Off -leash Area More than One 193 3.25 3.0 0.5 13.5 46.6 39.4 Number of Times in Zero 217 3.27 3.0 0.9 10.1 50.2 38.7 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 61 3.28 3.0 5% 0.0 13.1 45.9 41.0 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.27 3.0 0.0 12.2 48.8 39.0 5 Miles or Less 140 3.18 3.0 0.7 15.0 50.0 34.3 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 143 3.24 3.0 79% 2.1 8.4 53.1 36.4 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 112 3.35 3.0 0.0 8.9 47.3 43.8 Number of Dogs One 265 3.22 3.0 1.5 11.7 50.2 36.6 Brought to the Dog 88% Off -leash Area Two or More 139 3.33 3.0 0.0 8.6 49.6 41.7 Number of People One 247 3.26 3.0 0.8 10.5 50.2 38.5 0 33 /o in Group Two or More 154 3.23 3.0 1.3 11.0 50.6 37.0 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 120 3.18 3.0 0.0 13.3 55.0 31.7 Conflict at the Dog 86% Off -leash Area in No 282 3.28 3.0 1.4 93.3 48.2 40.8 the Last Year 16 to 34 108 3.32 3.0 0.0 10.2 47.2 42.6 Age of 35 to 54 235 3.23 3.0 19% 1.3 11.1 51.1 36.6 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.28 3.0 2.0 10.0 46.0 42.0 Sex of Female 273 3.26 3.0 1.5 11.0 48.0 39.6 10/o 0 Respondent Male 128 3.27 3.0 0.0 1 10.2 53.1 36.7 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 404 3.26 3.0 --- �1.010.6 50.0 38.4 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 34 Table 1711. Satisfaction with natural elements (crass, trees, water). Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 35 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 203 3.56 4.0 0.0 3.9 36.0 60.1 23/o 0 Visited Elm Creek PR 200 3.55 4.0 0.5 3.0 38.0 58.5 Day Weekday 193 3.55 4.0 0.0 3.6 37.8 58.5 of 36/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 196 3.58 4.0 0.5 3.1 34.7 61.7 Less than 4 61 3.59 4.0 0.0 1.6 37.7 60.7 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 107 3.50 4.0 55% 0.0 2.8 43.9 53.3 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 3.50 4.0 0.0 6.6 36.8 56.6 Number of Years One or Fewer 183 3.54 4.0 0.0 3.8 38.3 57.9 Visiting this Dog 15%' Off -leash Area More than One 192 3.55 4.0 1 0.5 3.6 35.9 59.9 Number of Times in Zero 217 3.53 4.0 0.5 3.7 38.7 57.1 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 61 3.64 4.0 16% 0.0 1.6 32.8 65.6 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.51 4.0 0.0 2.4 43.9 53.7 5 Miles or Less 140 3.53 4.0 0.7 5.0 35.0 59.3 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 142 3.57 4.0 31% 0.0 2.1 38.7 59.2 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 112 3.54 4.0 0.0 3.6 39.3 57.1 Number of Dogs One 264 3.58 4.0 0.0 3.0 36.4 60.6 Brought to the Dog 72% Off -leash Area Two or More 139 3.51 4.0 0.7 4.3 38.1 56.8 Number of People One 247 3.55 4.0 0 0.4 3.6 36.8 59.1 in Group Two or More 153 3.56 4.0 12/o 0.0 3.3 37.9 58.8 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 120 3.44 4.0 0.8 7.5 38.3 53.3 Conflict at the Dog 990/0 Off -leash Area in No 281 3.60 4.0 0.0 1.8 36.7 61.6 the Last Year 16 to 34 108 3.56 4.0 0.0 3.7 37.0 59.3 Age of 35 to 54 234 3.55 3.0 56% 0.0 3.0 39.3 57.7 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.62 4.0 0.0 6.0 26.0 68.0 Sex of Female 272 3.61 4.0 0.0 2.9 33.5 63.6 990/0 Respondent Male 128 3.44 3.5 0.8 4.7 44.5 50.0 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 403 3.55 4.0 --- 0.2 3.5 37.0 59.3 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 35 Table F12. Satisfaction with staff and volunteer service. Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 36 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 138 3.38 3.0 0.0 1.4 59.4 39.1 ?990/0 Visited Elm Creek PR 113 3.13 3.0 0.0 8.0 70.8 21.2 Day of Weekday 110 3.26 3.0 0.0 6.4 61.8 31.8 19/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 133 3.27 3.0 0.0 3.0 66.9 30.1 Less than 4 34 3.21 3.0 0.0 2.9 73.5 23.5 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 68 3.29 3.0 44% 0.0 5.9 58.8 35.3 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 51 3.27 3.0 0.0 7.8 56.9 35.3 Number of Years One or Fewer 115 3.2 3.0 0.0 6.1 67.8 26.1 Visiting this Dog 93% Off -leash Area More than One 123 3.33 3.0 0.0 3.3 61.0 35.8 Number of Times in Zero 133 3.31 3.0 0.0 3.0 63.2 33.8 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 41 3.24 3.0 32% 0.0 4.9 65.9 29.3 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 29 3.17 3.0 0.0 3.4 75.9 20.7 5 Miles or Less 91 3.26 3.0 0.0 7.7 58.2 34.1 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 87 3.25 3.0 72% 0.0 2.3 70.1 27.6 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 69 3.29 3.0 0.0 2.9 65.2 31.9 Number of Dogs One 170 3.28 3.0 0.0 3.5 64.7 31.8 Brought to the Dog 49% Off -leash Area Two or More 81 3.24 3.0 0.0 6.2 64.2 29.6 Number of People One 159 3.32 3.0 0.0 3.1 61.6 35.2 98% in Group Two or More 90 3.16 3.0 0.0 6.7 71.1 22.2 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 75 3.17 3.0 0.0 9.3 64.0 26.7 Conflict at the Dog 96% Off -leash Area in No 174 3.31 3.0 0.0 2.3 64.4 33.3 the Last Year 16 to 34 53 3.28 3.0 0.0 0.0 71.7 28.3 Age of 35 to 54 156 3.25 3.0 79% 0.0 5.1 64.7 30.1 Respondent 55 & Over 38 3.32 3.0 0.0 7.9 52.6 39.5 Sex of Female 164 3.28 3.0 0.0 4.3 63.4 32.3 36/o a Respondent Male 35 3.25 3.0 0.0 4.7 65.9 29.4 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 251 3.27 3.0 --- 0.0 4.4 64.5 31.1 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 36 Table F13_ Satisfaction with the narking areas Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 37 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 201 3.28 3.0 0.0 8.0 55.7 36.3 >990/0 Visited Elm Creek PR 198 2.77 3.0 5.1 26.3 55.6 13.1 Weekday 190 3.00 3.0 3.2 20.0 51.1 25.8 Day of 47% Visit Weekend or Holiday 195 3.04 3.0 2.1 14.9 60.0 23.1 Less than 4 61 3.03 3.0 3.3 11.5 63.9 21.3 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 106 3.03 3.0 990/0 0.0 24.5 48.1 27.4 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 76 2.75 3.0 6.6 30.3 44.7 18.4 Number of Years One or Fewer 179 3.07 3.0 2.2 11.7 62.6 23.5 Visiting this Dog 66% Off -leash Area More than One 192 3.00 3.0 3.1 21.4 1 47.9 27.6 Number of Times in Zero 215 3.07 3.0 1.4 17.2 54.9 26.5 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 61 3.03 3.0 30% 1.6 18.0 55.7 24.6 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.05 3.0 4.9 9.8 61.0 24.4 5 Miles or Less 139 2.98 3.0 4.3 16.5 56.1 23.0 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 140 2.99 3.0 94% 2.9 22.1 48.6 26.4 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 111 3.14 3.0 0.0 10.8 64.0 25.2 Number of Dogs One 261 3.00 3.0 3.1 18.0 54.4 24.5 Brought to the Dog 63% Off -leash Area Two or More 138 3.07 3.0 1.4 15.2 58.0 25.4 Number of People One 246 3.04 3.0 0 3.7 18.3 48.4 29.7 in Group Two or More 150 2.99 1 3.0 47/o 0.7 15.3 68.0 16.0 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 119 2.89 3.0 5.0 21.8 52.1 21.0 Conflict at the Dog 95% Off -leash Area in No 278 3.09 3.0 1.4 15.1 56.8 26.6 the Last Year 16 to 34 108 3.10 3.0 2.8 9.3 63.0 25.0 Age of 35 to 54 231 2.99 3.0 97% 1.7 19.9 55.8 22.5 Respondent 55 & Over 49 3.12 3.0 4.1 18.4 38.8 38.8 Sex Female 270 3.05 3.0 1.9 16.7 55.9 25.6 of 56/o 0 Respondent Male 126 2.99 3.0 3.2 18.3 54.8 23.8 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 399 3.03 3.0 --- 2.5 17.0 55.6 24.8 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 37 Table F14. Satisfaction with restrooms Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 38 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 173 3.17 3.0 0.6 5.8 69.9 23.7 950/0 Visited Elm Creek PR 175 3.06 3.0 0.6 7.4 77.7 14.3 Day Weekday 167 3.12 3.0 0.0 7.2 73.7 19.2 of 12% Visit Weekend or Holiday 170 3.11 3.0 0.6 6.5 74.1 18.8 Less than 4 51 3.10 3.0 0.0 5.9 78.4 15.7 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 97 3.19 3.0 71% 0.0 2.1 77.3 20.6 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 69 3.14 3.0 0.0 8.7 68.1 23.2 Number of Years One or Fewer 159 3.06 3.0 1.3 7.5 74.8 16.4 Visiting this Dog 95% Off -leash Area More than One 171 3.18 3.0 0.0 5.3 71.9 22.8 Number of Times in Zero 180 3.10 3.0 1.1 6.7 73.3 18.9 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 56 3.20 3.0 29% 0.0 1.8 76.8 21.4 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 35 3.20 3.0 0.0 2.9 74.3 22.9 5 Miles or Less 117 3.14 3.0 0.9 4.3 75.2 19.7 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 124 3.10 3.0 17% 0.0 7.3 75.0 17.7 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 98 3.12 3.0 1.0 7.1 70.4 21.4 Number of Dogs One 232 3.10 3.0 0.9 7.3 73.3 18.5 Brought to the Dog 62% Off -leash Area Two or More 116 3.15 3.0 0.0 5.2 75.0 19.8 Number of People One 209 3.17 3.0 0.5 6.2 69.4 23.9 99°/u in Group Two or More 136 3.02 3.0 0.7 7.4 81.6 10.3 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 104 3.12 3.0 0.0 3.8 80.8 15.4 Conflict at the Dog 77% Off -leash Area in No 242 3.12 3.0 0.8 7.4 71.1 20.7 the Last Year 16 to 34 89 3.00 3.0 1.1 11.2 74.2 13.5 Age of 35 to 54 201 3.11 3.0 - 990/0 0.5 4.5 78.1 16.9 Respondent 55 & Over 48 3.31 3.0 0.0 4.2 60.4 35.4 Sex of Female 234 3.06 3.0 0.4 9.0 75.2 15.4 �� Respondent P Male 111 3.24 3.0 0.9 0.9 71.2 27.0 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 348 3.11 3.0 --- 0.6 6.6 73.9 19.0 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 38 Table F15. Satisfaction with size of net exercise area. Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 39 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 203 3.66 4.0 0.0 2.0 30.5 67.5 990/0 Visited Elm Creek PR 201 3.51 4.0 0.5 4.5 38.3 56.7 Day of Weekday 192 3.58 4.0 0.5 2.6 35.4 61.5 4/o 0 Visit Weekend or Holiday 198 3.58 4.0 0.0 4.0 33.8 62.1 Less than 4 61 3.51 4.0 0.0 4.9 39.3 55.7 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 107 3.60 4.0 94% 0.0 0.9 38.3 60.7 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 77 3.64 4.0 0.0 6.5 23.4 70.1 Number of Years One or Fewer 183 3.58 4.0 0.5 1.6 37.2 60.7 Visiting this Dog 8% Off -leash Area More than One 193 3.59 4.0 0.0 5.2 31.1 63.7 Number of Times in Zero 216 3.58 4.0 0.0 3.2 35.6 61.1 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a I to 9 Times 61 3.61 4.0 80% 0.0 1.6 36.1 62.3 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 41 3.44 3.50 2.4 2.4 43.9 51.2 5 Miles or Less 141 3.53 4.0 0.0 5.0 36.9 58.2 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 143 3.57 4.0 74% 0.7 1.4 37.8 60.1 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 111 3.65 4.0 0.0 3.6 27.9 68.5 Number of Dogs One 265 3.59 4.0 0.4 2.6 34.7 62.3 Brought to the Dog 17% Off -leash Area Two or More 139 3.58 4.0 0.0 4.3 33.8 61.9 Number of People One 247 3.57 4.0 0 0.4 3.2 35.6 60.7 in Group Two or More 154 3.60 4.0 47/o 0.0 3.2 33.1 63.6 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 121 3.56 4.0 0.0 5.0 33.9 61.2 Conflict at the Dog 44% Off -leash Area in No 281 3.59 4.0 0.4 2.5 34.9 62.3 the Last Year 16 to 34 109 3.61 4.0 0.0 1.8 34.9 63.3 Age of 35 to 54 234 3.61 4.0 97% 0.4 1.3 35.5 62.8 Respondent 55 & Over 50 3.50 4.0 0.0 10.0 30.0 60.0 Sex of Female 274 3.64 4.0 0.4 1.1 32.5 66.1 >990/0 Respondent Male 127 1 3.47 4.0 0.0 7.1 39.4 53.5 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 11 404 3.58 4.0 --- 0.2 F 3.2 34.4 62.1 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 39 Table F16. Satisfaction with desien and lavout of net exercise area. Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 40 Probability Percent of Respondents Number of of Respondent Subgroups Respondents Mean Median Difference 1 2 3 4 Park Cleary Lake RP 201 3.69 4.0 0.0 1.0 29.4 69.7 990/0 Visited Elm Creek PR 201 3.55 4.0 0.5 1.0 41.8 56.7 Day of Weekday 191 3.61 4.0 0.5 1.0 35.6 62.8 18% Visit Weekend or Holiday 197 3.62 4.0 0.0 1.0 36.0 62.9 Less than 4 60 3.50 4.0 1.7 0.0 45.0 53.3 Average Number of Visits Per Month in 4 to 14 106 3.59 4.0 76% 0.0 0.9 38.7 60.4 the Last 12 Months 15 or More 77 3.69 4.0 0.0 1.3 28.6 70.1 Number of Years One or Fewer 184 3.61 4.0 0.0 0.5 38.0 61.4 Visiting this Dog 10% Off -leash Area More than One 190 3.62 4.0 0.5 1 1.6 33.7 64.2 Number of Times in Zero 215 3.61 4.0 0.0 1.9 35.3 62.8 Last 12 Months that Respondent Used a 1 to 9 Times 61 3.57 4.0 41% 0.0 0.0 42.6 57.4 Park District Trail to Exercise Dog 10 Times or More 40 3.63 4.0 0.0 0.0 37.5 62.5 5 Miles or Less 140 3.56 4.0 0.7 1.4 39.3 58.6 Distance that this Dog Off -leash Area 6 to 10 Miles 143 3.61 4.0 87% 0.0 0.0 39.2 60.8 is from Your Home 11 Miles or More 110 3.70 4.0 0.0 1.8 26.4 71.8 Number of Dogs One 265 3.63 4.0 0.0 0.8 35.5 63.8 Brought to the Dog 52% Off -leash Area Two or More 137 3.59 4.0 0.7 1.5 35.8 62.0 Number of People One 246 3.60 4.0 0 0.4 0.8 37.0 61.8 45/o in Group Two or More 153 3.63 4.0 0.0 1.3 34.0 64.7 Has Respondent Experienced a Yes 120 3.58 4.0 0.0 1.7 39.2 59.2 Conflict at the Dog 46% Off -leash Area in No 280 3.63 4.0 0.4 0.7 34.3 64.6 the Last Year 16 to 34 109 3.63 4.0 0.0 0.9 34.9 64.2 Age of 35 to 54 233 3.62 4.0 27% 0.0 0.4 36.9 62.7 Respondent 55 & Over 49 3.65 4.0 0.0 2.0 30.6 67.3 Sex of Female 272 3.66 4.098%0.0 0.7 32.7 66.5 Respondent Male 127 3.53 4.0 0.8 1.6 41.7 55.9 ALL SURVEY RESPONDENTS 402 3.62 4.0 --- 0.2 1.0 35.6 63.2 Note: Mean scores calculated by using 1=very dissatisfied, 2=dissatisfied, 3=satisfied, and 4=very satisfied. Shaded cell denotes significant difference between subgroups (p<0.05). 40 Recommendations & Final Remarks Many results from this study are very encouraging. The number of households purchasing an annual Off -leash Dog Area Pass from Three Rivers Park District increased by 66 percent from 2003 to 2005 while daily permits increased by 50 percent during the same period. The tremendous increase in use has resulted in record revenue figures with over $62,000 being collected in 2005. In addition, 92 percent of respondents indicated the fees charged to use the off -leash areas were "about right" or "too low". Personal safety was rated as "safe" or "very safe" by 99 percent of respondents and the design and layout, overall size, and natural elements (i.e. grass, trees, water) at the two off -leash areas studies were all rated very favorable. Results from this study also indicate that some facilities and services could be improved. The fact that the budgeted cost recovery percent for the Park District's off -leash areas was estimated at 181 percent in 2004 (off - leash areas have a cost recovery goal of 50 percent) indicates that additional spending to improve these facilities is a legitimate possibility. Taking corrective action on the issues identified below will improve a visitor's experience and may increase the renewal rate of annual Off -leash Dog Area Passes which is currently at 53 percent. Enlarge and resurface the parking lot at Elm Creek PR. The popularity of the off -leash area at Elm Creek PR is so great on weekend mornings and weekdays after 5:00 p.m. that all available parking spaces are frequently occupied. When this occurs, visitors are forced to park their vehicles on Goose Lake Road or in the lot across the road. Nearly one-third (31.4%) of respondents were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the parking situation at Elm Creek PR. Dissatisfaction was fairly evenly split between not being able to park in the designated parking lot, and tracking red gravel from the parking lot into vehicles. 2. Provide more fenced off -leash dog areas. According to respondents, an area entirely enclosed by secure fencing is the most important feature an off -leash dog area can provide. Installing fencing around the off -leash dog areas at Crow -Hassan PR and Lake Sarah RP will present a more inviting setting for dog owners and consequently should increase use to these parks. In addition, there is demand for an off -leash dog area that primarily serves the communities of Crystal, New Hope, and Plymouth. Figure C3 (p. 6) shows that there is a large number of annual Off -leash Dog Area Pass holders who reside in this area, but the only off -leash dog area located in these communities is Egan Park; an unfenced off -leash area operated by the City of Plymouth. 3. Reduce visitor conflicts at both off -leash areas. Thirty-eight percent of respondents at Elm Creek PR and 22 percent of those at Cleary Lake RP reported experiencing a conflict at the off -leash area they were visiting during the past year. The majority (88.1%) of conflicts were caused by dog owners allowing their dog(s) to run out of control and inappropriately interact with other dogs or dog owners. Many of these conflicts included verbal altercations between dog owners and have negatively impacted the experience of visitors (Appendix B). Satisfaction with the behavior of other people, rules for using the site, enforcement of rules and regulation, and the service of staff and volunteers were all significantly lower for individuals experiencing a conflict during the past year compared with those who had not experienced a conflict. The following steps may help to reduce conflicts. a) Enforce rules and regulations from inside the fence. Based on study results, it appears that the presence of park staff inside off -leash areas is an infrequent occurrence. Though visitors appreciate Public Safety and Maintenance crews regularly patrolling and checking the parking lots, increased staff presence inside the fenced area to educate visitors and encourage compliance to posted rules should help reduce visitor conflict. 41 b) Explore the use of volunteer "off -leash area patrollers." Using volunteers who are well-trained and versed in proper dog etiquette to monitor use and encourage proper behavior may be beneficial in reducing visitor conflicts. The feasibility of this idea should be further explored by the Park District's Volunteer Coordinator. c) Provide educational information to visitors. Information regarding proper etiquette for people and pets at off -leash areas may eliminate or reduce improper behavior. Information provided on park signs, distributed literature, and the Park District's website should be reviewed in order to provide the best communication possible. 4. Improve cleanliness and maintenance at both off -leash areas. Though only five percent of respondents at Cleary Lake RP were dissatisfied with the "cleanliness and maintenance of the site", 18 percent provided suggestions or concerns directly related to maintenance issues. Nearly one- fourth (23.6%) of respondents at Elm Creek PR cited maintenance issues. An abundance of fecal matter scattered throughout the off -leash areas was the number one maintenance issue at both parks, with approximately 13 percent of respondents requesting improvements. Poorly drained trails that were in need of woodchips or mulch were reported by nine percent of those at Elm Creek PR and three percent of individuals at Cleary Lake RP. Finally, dirty restrooms were cited by six percent of respondents at Elm Creek PR and three percent of respondents at Cleary Lake RP. Distributing information on the proper etiquette for off -leash areas, increasing education and enforcement within the enclosed areas with paid staff or volunteers, adding more garbage cans within the off -leash areas, more frequent checks by maintenance staff, and encouraging volunteer "clean-up days" are all possible methods to help improve the cleanliness of these areas. In addition, resources should be directed towards improving trail drainage to allow convenient use during all seasons. 5. Improve pond water quality at Elm Creek PR and/or enclose with fence. Sixteen percent of respondents at Elm Creek PR indicated concern over the pond's water quality or that the pond was not enclosed; fencing the pond would allow people an option whether or not to let their dog(s) visit the pond. During much of the summer the pond is stagnant and believed by visitors to contain parasites that spread illness to dogs. Multiple respondents reported not visiting Elm Creek PR during periods when the water quality is at its worst. 42 6. Install a double -gated entry at Elm Creek PR. Double -gated entries reduce the opportunity that a dog will escape from an off -leash area when other dogs are arriving or leaving, and will help reduce opportunities for conflict. This type of entry gate has become fairly standard in off -leash areas and has been included at the off -leash areas in Cleary Lake RP and Carver PR. In fact, respondents at Cleary Lake RP ranked a double -gated entry as the eleventh most important feature for off -leash areas to contain. 7. Explore changing operating hours for the off -leash dog areas. Currently the hours of operation are from 5:00 a.m. to sunset and many respondents are unable to visit after work due to early sunsets during the winter months. Unless operating hours are changed from sunrise to sunset, the potential problems with allowing visitors to use the off -leash area after sunset (increased liability and less compliance to dog cleanup) should not be cited as reasons for closing at sunset. Since the off -leash areas open at 5:00 a.m. year-round, there are many weeks that the same problems could occur when individuals are visiting in complete darkness before the sun rises. Of the 19 off -leash areas not operated by Three Rivers Park District listed in Appendix C, ten close at 10 p.m., five shut down at sunset, two close at 8:30 p.m., and one requires all visitors to be gone 90 minutes after sunset. 8. Provide accessible drinking water for people and pets at Elm Creek PR. Available drinking water for people and pets was rated as the second most important feature for off -leash areas to contain. This is consistent to survey respondents who participated in an off -leash area study in Ramsey County (Yungers, 2006). Though access to drinking water was not specifically asked about in the study conducted at Elm Creek PR, eight percent of respondents took the time to request this feature be added. Feasibility of installing a solar -powered pump at this location should be studied. 9. Explore increasing the fee for an annual Off -leash Dog Area Pass. Increasing use fees should be accepted well once some improvements are made to the off -leash areas. Demand for these areas is extremely high and only four percent of respondents who purchased a $30 annual pass reported that the fee was "too high". The daily $5 pass should not increase as the appropriateness of this price is already in question. Finally, it appears that many annual Off -leash Dog Area Pass holders would be willing to donate time and/or money for projects directly enhancing the Park District's off -leash areas; they simply need to be asked. This conclusion is not based on quantitative data, but rather based on subjective observations. First, visitors at the two off -leash areas being studied were some of the most passionate park users studied in recent years. These people have strong feelings about off -leash area facilities and are concerned that dogs and dog owners are given a good experience. Second, the studied off -leash areas are heavily used as many annual pass holders make multiple visits every week. The reason this user group is so passionate probably directly relates to the amount of time they spend visiting these areas. Finally, ten of the 405 respondents expressed interest in volunteering time or donating money when responding to the question, "Do you have any additional comments about the off -leash area at [name of park] or about Three Rivers Park District" in general". Though this is a small percent, it is greater than what has been identified in other recent visitor studies. 43 References Blanchard, K., 2006. Park Design Is Going to the Dogs ... And It's Not a Bad Thing. Minnesota Recreation and Park, 1(2), p.8. Doggeek.com, 2006. Dog Parks — Minnesota. <http://www.doggeek.com/Dog%20Parks/Minnesota.shtml> (Accessed on September 20, 2006). TC Dog, 2006, 4(3), p.4. Dog Park Location Descriptions. Three Rivers Park District, 2006. Cost Recovery Model 2006. United States Census Bureau, 1999. American Fact Finder. <http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/ main.html?_lang=en> (Accessed on August 24, 2006). United States Census Bureau, 2006. Annual Estimates of the Population by Selected Age Groups and Sex for Counties: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005. <hLtp://www.census.gov/popest/counties/asrh/CC-EST2005- aaesex.html> (Accessed on August 24, 2006). United States Census Bureau, 2006. Annual Estimates of the Population by Sex, Race Alone and Hispanic or Latino Origin for Counties: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005. <http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/asrh/CC- EST2005-RACE6.html> (Accessed on August 24, 2006). Yungers, J., 2006. A Case Study of Ramsey County Parks and Recreation's Off -Leashed Dog Parks. Minnesota Recreation and Park, 1(2), p.10. 44 Appendix A Off -leash Dog Area Survey for Cleary Lake Regional Park ,m000-.00MM: Three Rivers PARK DISTRICT To the visitors of Cleary Lake Regional Park: Three Rivers Park District strives to provide high quality facilities and services at affordable prices. To do this we need an accurate understanding of you, the park visitor. This questionnaire, which is being randomly distributed at Park District off -leash dog areas, is exploratory in nature and is designed to help evaluate our pet exercise areas. Please complete this short survey by answering each question based on your visit to the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park on the day you received this survey. When you have completed the survey, drop it in the mail using the self-addressed, stamped envelope that came with the survey. Response to this request is voluntary and the information you provide will be kept anonymous. Please do not put your name or that of any member of your group on the questionnaire. If you have any questions or comments about this survey, please contact me at (763) 559-6742. Thank you for your help! Sincerely, Jon Nauman Research & Evaluation Manager Three Rivers Park District 1. Please record the date that you received this survey. 52006 2. What time did you arrive at the off -leash area? 3. What time did you leave the off -leash area? 4. Including yourself, how many people in your vehicle were: Male Female 5. Including yourself, how many people in your vehicle were: 4 years old or younger 5 — 9 years old 10 — 17 years old 18 — 24 years old 25 — 34 years old 35 — 44 years old 45 — 59 years old 60 — 74 years old 75 years old or older 45 6. How many pets did you bring to the off -leash area on the day you received this survey? 7. How many times did you visit Cleary Lake Regional Park's off -leash area during the seasons of: Summer (June — August 2005) Fall (September 2054 — November 2005) Winter (December 2005 — February 2006) 8. Including the visit when you received this survey, how many times do you expect to visit Cleary Lake Regional Park's off -leash area this spring (March 2006 — May 2006)? 9. How many years have you been visiting Cleary Lake Regional Park's off -leash area? years 10. Not including trails in the Park District's off -leash dog areas, how many times did you use a Three Rivers Park District turf trail during the last year to exercise a dog and what park did you visit most often? Number of times using a Park District trail to exercise dog: Location where the majority of these visits occurred: 11. Park District Police have posted safety reminders encouraging visitors to lock their vehicles and to store valuable possessions in areas that are not easily visible. Have you noticed these reminders? Yes, I've seen these safety reminders No, I have not seen these safety reminders 4 go to question 13 Not sure 4 go to question 13 12. How have these safety reminders changed your behavior? Not at all — I normally follow these safety precautions Greatly — I follow these safety precautions much more Somewhat — I follow these safety precautions somewhat more Not at all - I rarely follow these safety precautions 13. Regarding your visit to the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park, please circle the number that best reflects your feeling of safety in the following three areas. 46 Very Very Safe Issues Unsafe Unsafe Safe Safe Safety for your pet(s) 1 2 3 4 Safety for you and those 1 2 3 4 with you Safety for your vehicle and 1 2 3 4 possessions in your vehicle 46 14. Using a scale from 1 — 10 with one being "not at all crowded" and ten being "very crowded", how crowded was Cleary Lake Regional Park's off -leash area on the day you visited? (circle one number) Not At ALL Very Crowded Crowded 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15. Have you experienced a conflict at Cleary Lake Regional Park's off -leash area during the last year? Yes, I've experienced a MAJOR conflict Yes, I've experienced a MINOR conflict No, I have not experienced a conflict --> go to question 17 16. Please describe the conflict that you experienced. 17. What fee did you pay to use the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park? $30 annual pass $5 daily Did not pay Other (specify) 18. How appropriate was the fee charged to use this off -leash area? (check one) Too Low About Right Too High 19. What are three features that an off -leash dog area should include? (please list in order of importance) Most Important 2nd Most Important 3rd Most Important 47 20. Regarding your visit to this off -leash area, how important were each of the following factors in your . decision to visit? Please circle the number that best reflects each factor's importance to your decision. Factors Influencing Not Somewhat I Dissatisfied Very Decision to Visit Important Important Important Important Close to home 1 2 3 4 Chance to be around other people 1 2 3 4 Activity with family & friends 1 2 3 4 Feeling of solitude & privacy 1 2 3 4 Opportunity to experience nature 1 2 3 4 Site cleanliness and maintenance 1 2 3 4 Site contains a bathroom 1 2 3 4 Site contains picnic tables 1 2 3 4 Site contains a pond 1 2 3 4 Pond is fenced 1 2 3 4 Site contains large mowed grass areas 1 2 3 4 Site contains large non -mowed areas 1 2 3 4 Other — please specify 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 21. Listed below are aspects that may impact your satisfaction with the off -leash area at Cleary Lake Regional Park. Please circle the number that best reflects your satisfaction with each item. If it does not apply to your use of this site, please circle NA (not applicable). Facilities & Services Very Dissatisfied I Dissatisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied NA Distance from home 1 2 3 4 NA Behavior of other people 1 2 3 4 NA Ease of obtaining a use permit 1 2 ` 3 4 NA Rules for using site 1 2 3 4 NA Enforcement of rules and regulations 1 2 3 4 NA Cleanliness and maintenance of site 1 2 3 4 NA Natural elements (grass, trees, water) 1 2 3 4 NA Staff &volunteer service 1 2 3 4 NA Restrooms 1 2 3 4 NA Parking areas 1 2 3 4 NA Size of pet exercise area 1 2 3 4 NA' Design and layout of pet exercise area 1 2 3 4 NA 22. Please use the space below to explain why you rated any of the above items a "2" (dissatisfied) or "1" (very dissatisfied). 48 23. Are you: Male Female 24. What is your age? years 25. Which of the following best describes your race? (check all that apply) African-American/B lack American Indian or Alaska Native Asian Pacific Islander White Other (please describe) 26. Do you consider yourself Hispanic/Latino/Spanish? Yes No 27. Please indicate your annual household income before taxes. (check one) $0-$24,999 $25,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 and over 28. How many miles is your home from the Cleary Lake Regional Park pet exercise area? miles 29. What is the city and zip code of your permanent residence? City: Zip Code: _ 30. Do you have any additional comments about the off -leash dog area at Cleary Lake Regional Park or about Three Rivers Park District? Thank you for your input. Please place this survey in the envelope provided and drop it in the mail. 49 Appendix B Verbatim Descriptions of Conflicts Experienced Cleary Lake Regional Park Magor Conflicts A Boxer had my puppy by the throat and pinned it to the ground. I was walking and minding my own business when another dog came running through the grass and ran into me, not once but three times. When the owner caught up, I talked to him and the dog came from the side and hit my knee so hard I thought it dislocated it. The owner didn't do a thing. I asked what was wrong with his dog and all he said was "Oh, he's just being naughty." The owner didn't apologize or anything. What was I supposed to do if my knee needed medical attention? I don't have insurance. A woman brought a very aggressive dog to the park. (I reminded her that aggressive dogs are not welcome). Dogs attacking another dog. Owner of attacking dogs had no control over her dogs. I was witness to a dog fight ending with my walking partner's thumb nearly torn off. Attacking dog should not have been out in public with other dogs. Minor Conflicts Kids on bikes flying up next to my dog and me, and then slamming on their brakes just to disturb us. People using the pet exercise area for family picnics. Too many kids turned loose. Some pets were being over bearing and the owner not making much of an effort to control the dog. I didn't feel that I should have to take control, but I did to prevent anybody's dog from being hurt. People were just crabby, but it wasn't bad. Another dog was overly aggressive and bit my dog. Large dogs packing together. Some dogs like to bite. I know a person I walked with had to go to the vet due to blood on the neck of her dog. Another dog pinned me and my dog against the entrance gate. The owner of the other dog refused to believe that her dog was being aggressive towards my dog and me. One particular dog (beige Siberian Husky) was too aggressive and attacked other dogs, including mine. I reported this by phone. One lady refused to control her dog that was biting other dogs (3) in the face. Mine was one. My dog ended up with a scratch on her face. I confronted the lady and told her to control her dog (as did the other owners) and she told me I was a nosy bitch and to mind my own business. 50 Minor Conflicts (continued) Mostly due to dumb owners who don't control their dogs as their dogs are ripping into other dogs (mine included). That's why I don't go at certain times of the day. Person with a dog that was more aggressive yelled at me to keep my dogs away from hers while hers was also running and greeting other dogs. My dog got dominant with a small dog and stood over it and wouldn't let the smaller dog stand up. Got my dog off after about 15 seconds, but a third party (not the dog's owner) yelled at me for several minutes. Shooting exercise? A dog was aggressive and the owner was not around or in the area where I was walking my dog. A woman has twice slapped my dog because her dog and mine (2 year olds) were play -wrestling and it upset her. The same dog is always aggressive. Barking, snarling and chases my dog. Owner does not say a word. Other people unable to control their dogs. Two dogs jumped on me trying to get a ball. Dog biting my dog, nothing major. Dogs are going to have confrontations. Someone with an aggressive dog was not in control of the dog and the dog kept coming up to my dog while we were walking on the trail and harassing my dog. The other owner had no voice control over the dog. My dog lashed out at the other dog in defense because she was so scared and agitated. Aggressive dog with passive owner. It's usually the owner that's the problem. Two dogs not getting along; some scuffling; owners exchanged words. Witness to altercation of two dog owners over behavior of one of the dogs, was resolved on site. Pet owners not controlling dogs that are being bothersome to other dogs or owners. Rude remarks from owners of other dogs who don't expect to get dirty from my dog wanting them to pet her. A woman accused a dog of biting her dog, and the dog wasn't. I was watching them and all they were doing was playing. She was pretty hostile. Woman not watching her dogs, he's cornering mine and pooping, etc. Some people have brought dogs that are unfriendly to other dogs, causing a lot of tension among everyone. Over crowding and sitting areas too close to the front. It causes dogs to be aggressive as new ones come in. Minor Conflicts (continued) I've had several encounters with aggressive dogs going after one of my dogs. Non -neutered dog harassing my female. Person not having control over their dog and dog was jumping and getting on the face of my dog. My dog took exception and put the other dog down on the ground -didn't bite at all- other owner was mad at how mean my dog was. I was the first one in one morning last summer, and my two hunting dogs got in a raccoon fight. They killed the raccoon, some bloody dogs. It was no one's fault. There's nothing anyone could have done to prevent it. Police asking us to leave before dark, sun was still above the horizon. Just dogs not getting along; biting. Dogs getting a bit too aggressive towards our dogs, but nothing major. Actually, the day I got this survey! A black dog kept biting my dog, and I'm disappointed that the owner did nothing! Other than that I have enjoyed the park! One person with too many dogs (4 large) who couldn't control them. This type of occurrence is very rare. Most people are friendly. Only a few are surly. Owner did not have German Shepherd under control. Bit spouse's finger when trying to get our dog. Overly protective people exchanging words about rough housing. Elm Creek Park Reserve Major Conflicts One of my pets was attacked. Nobody at the park knew the owner or dog that attacked mine. One of our Golden Retrievers was bitten on the ear (this is a repeat offender). A puppy we brought was attacked and held underwater by a dog that should not be allowed but is a regular visitor. Large group of women at the pond with several dogs not under control. They did not call their dogs off when they started to snarl and growl at mine. I immediately left the area and they made disrespectful comments to me. A few minutes later, one woman's dog bit another dog. These women were also disrespectful to this woman. Park police were called at that point -the problem was dealt with. Dalmatians that are aggressive, owners that do not clean up after their dogs, owners with multiple dogs and children at same time. Aggressive/unfixed dogs. Other dog with no owner in sight attacked mine (both larger dogs) after separating dogs, other owner walked up and made light of it. My dog was limping. I politely asked a man to give my dog a break (his was barking, nipping, scaring my dog) he refused, just said no. I called and reported it after a long and heated argument. My dog was attacked three times by one dog. 51 Major Conflicts (continued0 Dog grabbed my Shih Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier three times. I reported to park in detail. An owner is not taking responsibility after their dog bit mine, at the pond, and then they told me to keep walking (very rude). I've seen dog fighting and owners who have gotten bitten, but in two and a half years it's only happened once. I was attacked by a dog. My dog required stitches below one eye. 911 was called after a crazy lady, who had three dogs who were out of control, started shouting verbal abuse (including serious profanity) at my daughter. Sometimes dogs kept nipping at our dog, as well as other dogs. Minor Conflicts Some dogs are very aggressive. A German Shepherd chased my dog a few hundred yards down a trail - good thing it was muzzled. Closed for annual deer hunt. Another dog bit my dog - the owner stated that his dog is aggressive toward other dogs. It seems to me that a dog park isn't the best place for his dog. Car window smashed and valuables taken from vehicle. Some of the valuables turned up in Wayzata. A couple of dogs want to fight and seem vicious. A man was jogging within the pet exercise area. I warned him that dogs may chase him. He did not listen. A dog chased him and grabbed his ankle. He blamed the dog and its owner. One man felt our dog was being hostile towards his; growling as we passed. Suggested he read up some more on dog behavior! People bringing personal toys and expecting no other dogs to play with them. People not wanting their dogs to play. Other dogs with weird behavior or aggressive behavior and laid back owners who didn't respond appropriately. Dogs occasionally get into scuffles. You learn who to keep an eye on. Unruly pets and owners who can't or won't control their pet. A dog attacked my friend's Dachshund - very scary. One dog is pretty mean, everybody thinks so. A large dog jumped on and pushed our dog to the ground. Aggressive dogs, no injuries, but potential for harm. Intervention by owners was needed. People that don't have voice command of their dog (come when called). I have not said anything to them at the time, but it is a rule. Another un -neutered male dog was aggressive while my dog was digging in a hole. The other dog bit into Scout's neck to get his attention and Scout reacted fearfully. Minor Conflicts (continued) Occasionally a couple of dogs may not get along but usually they get separated before it gets too bad. One dog continually harassed all dogs for 45 minutes before we left the water area. The dog followed us and we finally shooed the dog away. The owners were at a picnic table up on the hill, no where near the water or their dog. Just Dog stuff. Owners who do not want their dogs to interact with other dogs (and my dog runs up and wants to play). Our dog received a small wound under her left eye when she was bitten by another dog. Aggressive dog (2 occasions) where owner/handler does not address issue. My dog got attacked by another dog. Someone putting poop in bags and then throwing them over the fence. Some aggressive dogs and owners do not take necessary precaution. Those people/dogs should be banned from the park. Park closed for deer hunting. A Rottweiler bit my Weimaraner out of the blue. No warning at all. Dog not being controlled was attacking my dog. Aggressive dog. Owners with overly aggressive dogs, ignoring their dog's behavior. Dogs/people being tangled in the leash of a dog not let off leash. No place to park. Rowdy dogs a couple of times. Charged by out of control Mastiff. It jumped on me and proceeded to head butt me. I ended up with a very split lip. Aggressive territorial behavior between two Boxers and our dog. Once separated they were o.k. Boxer owner was not helpful. Occasionally there is an aggressive dog whose owner doesn't pay attention to how it intimidates other dogs. That is rare though most dogs and owners are very responsible. Owner upset with dog behavior (any dog) when she had her dog on a leash. Two Boxers ganged up on my dog, had to intervene. No blood drawn. Overly aggressive dog. Owners that aren't in control of pet. Dog versus dog. Aggressive dog without muzzle, dog needed it. People taking a dog fight personally. Dogs have bad days and snap at other dogs. There is a difference between aggressive attacks and fights. People expect all dogs to get along, always not the case. Minor dominance, conflicts between dogs can be expected on a daily basis. But I have witnessed conflict and I have been nervous and changed directions because many dogs are aggressive. Fortunately mine steers clear. On this day one dog had a chunk of ear bit off. 52 Minor Conflicts (continued) Approached pack of dogs, coffee club dogs, bit one of my dogs. Another owner could not control their pet when it was off the leash. Another owner was not around when dog kept chasing my dog. The dog knocked my husband down, and the owner of the dog was never found. A stray dog was found in the pet exercise area. The park security came to get it. There have been a few instances of more dominant dogs confronting my dogs, but there have been no injuries. Our dogs were leashed to leave and a loose dog attacked them. The owner wasn't close by, and there were no injuries. I have a smaller dog and a large group of dogs at the water area ganged up on him, but everyone got their dogs under control and no one got hurt. One person's dog was a little too aggressive with my dog, and then the other person tried to give a lecture on dog behavior. One man had two Boxers and they were pouncing on my Beagle. The owner did not try to stop it so I did. I have not seen him after the incident. Other uneducated dog owners who are unaware of how dogs play. One attempted to slap my dog with a leash. With one sentence from me and taking control of both the dogs the correct way, from behind, stopped it. I received a five dollar ticket because I was not aware that a permit was required. A man was upset because my friend's dog tried to play with his dog and he thought the Beagle mix was being aggressive with his Labrador Retriever. He was swearing and trying to hit the dog. Aggressive dogs, injury to my dog which had a welt the length of his body. Had a particularly aggressive dog chase mine. The owner quickly collected his dog. Other dog that was not safe. There have been several occurrences of Boxers (4 times) attacking one of my dogs as well as a Norwegian Elkhound. Someone misinterpreted my dog's admittedly abrupt introduction to their dog as a display of aggression, when in fact it was an invitation to play. My dog will approach people in a very friendly manor whose pet will defend his master. Appendix C Descriptions of Off -leash Dog Areas Located in the Twin Cities Seven -county Metropolitan Area Mapaging Authority Drinking Park Name & Location Hours Fees Acres Fenced Water Description ka County lrs Sunrise Need valid Locke County Park to 90 parking permit: Located on University Avenue minutes $25/year or 1.5 Yes No Disposal bags available. service road just south of 73rd after $5/day Avenue. sunset City of Bloomington Dogs must be Tables, disposal bags, Bloomington Off -leash Area Sunrise licensed in trash cans parking, , Located on 111th Street, to l Opm Bloomington: 25 Partial No large grassy area, hills, trees between Nesbitt and Hampshire $17 to $18.75 and pond for those dogs that Avenues. like to swim. City of Burnsville Benches, tables, disposal Alimagnet Park bags, trees, phones, pond, Located on 1200 Alimagnet 5am to Annual $20 7 Yes Yes restrooms, parking, trash Parkway, two blocks North of l Opm cans, wooded areas, open County Road 42 on County field, mowed prairie grass Road 11. trail, double -gated entrance. City of Edeu�;Prair o Flying Cloud Dog Park Located near Highway 212 on 6am to Dogs must be the Flying Cloud Drive frontage lopm licensed in 1.5 Yes No No description given. road (south of Shady Oak Eden Prairie Road). - every two years --------- --------------------------------=------------------------ ------------------------------------ Staring Lake Park Gam to for $20 Wooded areas, open fields, Located on the east side of l Opm 5.7 Yes No and walking trails. Park. -StaringLake City of Plymouth ' Must have dog Native plants have been allowed to grow to create Eagan Park Located on the south side of 5am to license: natural barriers to discourage County Road 47 about two lopin p $5 if 10 No No dogs from straying from the blocks west of Dunkirk Lane at spade/neutered, property. Includes mowed approximately 17105 County $15 if not trails and open play area. Road 47. Trash containers provided. City of St. Louis Park 7:30am to Residents $25 0.5 Yes No Large grassy area, trash cans. Bass Lake (in the preserve) Located on West 36th Street 8:30pm Non -res. $50 and Boulevard. --------------------------- ------------ --------------------------------------------------------- ------Belt-----Line------------------------- Dakota Park 7:30am Residents $25 Has some tree coverage and Located at 27th and Dakota to Non -res. $50 1.4 Yes No trash cans. Avenue. 8:30 m City of St. Paul Trails, open and wooded Arlington / Arkwright Sunrise areas, disposal bags, tables, Located on the corner of to 9pm Free 4.5 Yes No parking, trashcans. Wooded Arlington Avenue and trails line the park and are Arkwri ht Street. I I covered with wood chips. Sources: Doggeek.com and TC Dog. 53 Descriptions of Off -leash Dog Areas (continued) Managing Authority Drinking Park Name & Location Hours Fees Acres Fenced Water Description Dakota County Both wooded and open space Dakota Woods with a walking trail loop. Located at 16470 Blaine 5am to Annual $30 16 Yes No There is no surface water. Avenue in Empire Township, Iopm Daily $5 Parking, portable toilets, just south of the NRG compost tables, bag dispensers and site on Blaine Avenue. waste containers. Minneapolis Airport Sunrise to Free 80 No No Trees, lighted parking, no Airport Dog Park Highway 62 and 28"' Avenue in bag dispensers. Richfield. Sunset Mpb. Park & Ree.Board Franklin Terrace Double -gated entry at the Located east of I-94 (adjacent to 6am to Minneapolis 2.6 Yes No east and west ends of the site, Riverside Park). Entrances are lopm Residents: $25 waste bag dispensers, bench, on Franklin Terrace and West for first dog and on -street parking. River _Parkway .................... ___________ $15 for the --------- ------------- ---------------------------------- Lake of the Isles second. Two double -gated entries at Located between Lake of the Minneapolis the northern end of the site, Isles Parkway and Lake Street 6am to residents 2 Yes No lighted at the southern end, on the south end of Lake of the l Opm required to waste bag dispensers, Isles (W. 28th St. becomes Lake license pet, $15 benches, medium tree _of the Isles Parkway)_____________ __________ for each ----------------------------------- c coverage --------- -------------- ------- Minnehaha Park v, Located at 54 Street and juvenile or J Partial Along the Mississippi River, H watha HiawathaAvenue (south end of Gam to spayed/neutered 4 2 with No heavy tree coverage, waste i a Park). 1 Opm dog or $30 for natural bag dispensers, lighted each non borders parking area. ------------ -------------- ----------- sterilized dog. --------- --------------------------------------------------------- St. Anthony Parkway Nonresidents: Located south of St. Anthony $50 for the first Double -gated entry at the Parkway, across the street from 6am to dog, $30 for the east and west ends of the the Columbia Golf Learning lopm p second. 2 Yes No park, parking, waste bag Center. Accesses are from dispensers, light tree Central Avenue and University coverage, benches. Avenue N. E. Ramsey County Parks Sunrise Battle Creek Located near Lower Afton and to Free 10 Partial No Tables, parking, trash cans. -McKnight Road in Ma lewood Sunset Otter Lake Take County Road J east to Sunrise Mix of rolling hills with Otter Lake Road. Take Otter to Free 10 Partial No wooded and open areas. Lake Road South to the dog Sunset Includes a separate one acre ark. fenced small dog area. Rice Creek Located just south of County Sunrise Tables, parking, trash cans, Road J on Lexington Avenue in to Free 12 No No flat with prairie vegetation, Shoreview. Sunset small pond. Woodview Trees, parking, tables, Located off Larpenteur Avenue, Sunrise disposal bags. Wetland area just east of Dale Street. to Free 5 Partial Yes is off limits. Includes Sunset separate fenced area for small dogs and access for disabled. Sources: Doggeek.com and TC Dog. 54 nescrintions of Off --leash nog Areas (continued) Managing Authority Park Name & Location Hours Fees Acres Fenced Drinking Water Description ,Thr ee*' rs.P_arkUD, *"Ict Cleary Lake Regional Park Sam to 1Annual$30 Tables, parking, restrooms, Located on the south side of the nd 2 Annual $15 35 Yes Yes trashcans, disposal bags, park off County Rd 68 (190th) Sunset Daily $5 fenced pond, mowed trails. in Prior Lake. ------------------------------------ Crow -Hassan Park Reserve ----------- ---------------------------- 1st Annual $30 --------------------------------------------------------- Mowed trail system, tables, Located on the northeast corner 5am to 2nd Annual $15 35 No No trees, runs along river, of the park in Hassan Township. Sunset Daily $5 restrooms, trash cans, and - ----- ----------------- disposal bags. ------------------ ----------------------------------- Elm Creek Park Reserve sc 1 Annual $30 Wide open grassy areas and Located on the northeast corner Sam to 2nd Annual $15 30 Yes No mowed trails wooded areas, ' of the park in Champlin. Sunset Daily $5 pond, tables, restrooms, trash ---- --- ----------- - cans, and disposal_bags. ------------------------- Lake Sarah Regional Park 1 stAnnual $30 Mowed parking area, some Located on West Lake Sarah 5am to 2nd Annual $15 35 No No tree coverage, restrooms, Drive in Greenfield. Sunset Daily $5 trash cans, tables, and disposal bags. Sources: Doggeek.com and TC Dog. 55 Appendix D Verbatim Comments Explaining Why Respondents were Dissatisfied with Evaluation Items Cleary Lake Regional Park Distance from home I wish there was an exercise area nearer my home in Eden Prairie that was large. This is the only park that we are aware of that is close for our pets. We need a fenced area for one of our dogs. I would like a pet exercise area closer to Shakopee. Distance is too far away for frequent/daily trips. It's far for us (16 miles each way) but it's a fabulous park. We use Cleary because the one in Burnsville is nasty. We wish Cleary was closer to Lakeville. It is too far from home. I live in Eden Prairie and Cleary is 21 miles away, wish there was a closer park. The park is not too far from our house, maybe a 1/2 hour drive, but I wish there was one closer. I have to drive 15 miles to get there. We have to travel 34 miles round trip and we go every other day. We live in Eden Prairie but make the trip because Cleary Lake is so nice. Just wish it were closer to our home. I live 25 miles from the park, wish it was closer. Great pet park, it is just a drive from where we live in Burnsville, but a nice place to go because of gated water area. We go to Clearly Regional Park when we have a chunk of time. I wish I were less than 9-10 miles away but that can't be helped unless Lakeville gets another park. It takes too long to get there which necessitates less frequent and shorter visits than desired. Long drive. I wish there was a site closer to home that was completely fenced. It would be nice not to have to drive so far. Cleary Lake is the closest site to Belle Plaine. I would be more satisfied with a location closer. There is nothing that you can do about this. I live in Apple Valley and would love it if there was a park this nice closer to me. If there were lights at this park it would be nice so that I could use it when the days are shorter. Behavior of other people The pet exercise area is turning into a place for family picnics, kids using bikes, kids throwing rocks into the pond while dogs are playing. People have to realize that this is a pet exercise area, not a family playground. I am not putting my dog on a leash just so someone can turn their kids loose. 56 Behavior of other people (continued) Just wish all people were more observant of the rule about cleaning up after their pet. Unsupervised dogs dig holes and owners don't pick-up after their pets. Generally, most people are responsible about their dog's behavior, but a few people let aggressive dogs go too far. This is a wonderful park - I wish all dog owners would be more responsible about "picking up" after their dogs. I had a negative experience of being yelled at. Apparently other people have had similar problems with the same woman. [Detailed in conflict question, survey respondent's dog was dominant with smaller dog. Survey respondent got her dog off of other dog after 15 seconds, another woman (not the smaller dog's owner) yelled at her for several minutes]. Other people suck. Dog owners do not pick up after their dogs. Most of the people who use the dog park are wonderful. Some let their dogs do anything they want to, have little or no control over their dogs, can't even get their dogs to come or get away from other dogs and people if there is a problem. That is frustrating. My dog is obedience trained and remote collar trained. If there's a problem or conflict which is inevitable at a dog park, I can't get my dog away from the dogs because the other dogs follow him. The owners don't or can't do anything. Escalating problems can develop. People leave their dog poop. Ease of obtaining a use permit I still have not received the permit; and it has been two weeks. Obtaining an annual permit can be difficult when you don't know where to get one. Parking tickets are handled very poorly; no one seems to know what you should do about one. We live in St. Paul. Obtaining a permit - 100% mail or internet applications would be better. I had to go to park office during work hours, was tough to do, recommend internet permit. Unable to obtain a permit via mail. Make it one check pay all. Very expensive and time consuming process to obtain a permit, took several weeks. I had my check stolen from the pay box twice. It was a hassle to get my permit. Rules for using site Rules are posted but people don't really read them. I am an owner of three dogs, but the rules require a second handler for third dog. Savage allows three dogs per household, so the parks should allow three dogs per handler. It is very inconvenient for me to find another person every day to walk with me. There are many owners with only one dog and have no control over the dog. Sometimes I walk with dogs that do not belong to me and the owner waits at the gate. Rules need to be more specific on what dogs are inappropriate, for example: no puppies under 4 months of age, they are too at risk of injury and often haven't had their full course of shots. Also, dog -aggressive dogs need to be banned. Most owners do this on their own but some do not and need to be cited or something. Certain rules should be more specific and strict, such as no dogs on leash while inside, no aggressive dogs, and no intact males (seen a lot of aggression). Not allowing use after sunset (especially in winter) is distressing. I pay for an annual pass, but it is dark at 5pm, so it is hard to use in the winter. Rules are not very well posted. Clean up after pets not enforced. Enforcement of rules and regulations We have seen so many owners who do not pick up after their pets. Also, many people do not have permits and don't pay. Ticket cost and offense (possible jail time) seem a bit extreme for not paying $5. Is there a possibility of adding a warning system? I think it should be emphasized more that people need to be respectful of others, and not bring aggressive dogs out there just to exercise them knowing they may cause a conflict. I have seen aggressive dogs at the park and I do not feel it is my responsibility to police the park; also I do not have authority. I have heard of people getting big fines for trivial things. These are dog lovers --give them a break! Cleanliness and maintenance of site Has nothing to do with the park, but more with some people that use the park that do not pick up after their dogs. It's not very conducive to cleaning up after your dog, so people don't. There is so much poop out there. My dog loves to swim and I don't let him because the park drains to the pond and the park is full of poop. People don't clean up after their pets. Some of the trails especially along County Road 68 are very bumpy and have deep holes. This can be dangerous for pets and people. Also trails are very icy in the winter, could use sand if possible. Some people do not pick up after pets. Need more trash cans throughout the park. Cleanliness and maintenance of site (continued) It is unfortunate that owners had not cleaned up after their pets. The path did not have fecal matter on them, but off path was covered. Off path you had to be careful where you stepped. Area was not cleaned up. Pet owners did not pick up dog fecal matter thereby creating parasite hazard for my dog. Natural elements (grass, trees, water) It would be nice to have a better pond or more pet exercise areas with water features closer to Shakopee. Could use more full size trees. Looks like you're working on that. Just needs time. Pond is dirty, should have sand or gravel base around pond. Would like more mowed areas criss-crossing. It would be nice to see some trees growing there. Not a lot necessarily, but a few big trees eventually would be enjoyable. The pond water gets stinky and I have talked to other dog owners whose dog has gotten sick from the water around mid June through the summer. Need larger trees for shade. Staff and volunteer service (Park staff name) was extremely rude when she ticketed me. I tried to explain my situation and show her my paperwork. I now know all the parking rules but she could have been a little more diplomatic. Patrol woman's attitude was unacceptable. It felt like a tax revenue scam. Restrooms The outhouse is smelly. It would be nice to have a real bathroom instead of just a port -a -potty. We understand a port a potty is the most realistic. Do not like the Biffys. A permanent toilet would be a nice option. Bathrooms stink. A restroom on other side would be nice. In the restrooms-sometimes/most of the time there is no hand sanitizer. There are no restrooms available. Very smelly in the summer. Parking Areas It would be nice if this area was paved so that if the dogs are wet, they don't get muddy. It could use a larger parking lot. Parking area has orange dirt that sticks to dogs' feet and tracks into car. Parking area is sometimes too small. The parking area needs to be paved because then I can keep my dog dry and clean, if it's wet at all, his feet get dirty in the lot. Parking area is too small and it is usually muddy and messy. Parkin Ag reas (,continued) Too small, muddy. Parking area muddy and not enough spaces. Very muddy when wet or thawed, prefer paved. Otherwise need to wash dog and car. Parking area could be bigger at peak times. Mostly on weekends, there just isn't enough parking. We end up on the road. Parking area needs to be bigger with marked parking spaces. Parking lot is small and very muddy. Parking area too small and can be muddy. Not enough parking spaces. Dangerous parking on roadway. Size of pet exercise area I would like a larger area. It seems like there are more patrons as compared to three years ago. Could use a 1/3 increase in overall size now. Larger is better. I can't say that I'm dissatisfied with layout because I am thankful that there is a pet area close by. If you want me to be "picky", I'd vote for a large mowed area for dogs to interact and play. Areas and exercise area should be bigger. Design and layout of pet exercise area More shade trees or more shade in general. Push picnic tables and the entire congregation area further into the park. People have tendency to herd at the entrance doors which result in dog fights. It would be nice for lights to be installed for night time. This would be especially nice in summer when it is often too hot to be outside during the daytime. Elm Creek Park Reserve Distance from home I live 15 miles away. We live in Delano and normally use Lake Sarah dog park. That is a long drive to get the features we want. We also alternate with Crow River park, which we like too. Traffic is bad on weeknights so the long drive takes even longer. I live too far, in Coon Rapids (Not your fault!) The distance to my home was a "3" when the road was open but will be a "1" because the road is closing. The distance from my home will change greatly when the road is closed. Since the road was closed we have not been able to use park. Traffic is bad. I just bought a pass before the road was closed, I'm very mad. The park is far from where we live (35 minute drive). It's a wonderful park. We would visit more often if it was closer. We live by the U of M in Minneapolis. I live in Coon Rapids, but that's not your fault. 58 Distance from home (continued) Would like one closer, in Plymouth. How about French? Would be great if it was closer to my home. It's a little further from home than I like. French Park would be better. I live on the west edge of the county. I wish there was an area near Lake Rebecca or Crow -Hassan. I wish there was something within 5 minutes of Ramsey. We live in Wright County. Elm Creek is the only fully fenced park we have access to. Would like to see fencing at Lake Sarah and Crow -Hassan. I don't live very close. I wish it were closer to Ham Lake. Obviously it's not your fault that I live so far away. Live in Anoka County (Coon Rapids). I would like park closer to home. Behavior of other people People should be able to control their animals. Not all people clean up after their pets. Some people think they own the park, your dog, and other people. They don't control their dogs or take responsibility for them when their dogs are out of control (biting your dog, jumping on people). Some people don't follow rules. People think the park is where you should go if your dog has a behavior problem. There are more great people with great dogs. Some people let their big dogs wander without supervision and don't pick up after their dog. People are not picking up after their pets. Quite messy. There are people who can't control their dogs. People not the park - need to know the temperament of their dog. They cannot bring a dog that does not like small dogs! Ease of obtaining a use permit I still don't have a pass; they're hard to obtain. When, where, how? Box was out of permit envelopes. Attempted to purchase annual pass at park by using payment post. It took 2 months to get pass. I went to Elm Creek which was closed. Went to French and found out they don't sell them. Don't like the new window permits, hang tag will break, also came late this year and I was mailed a temporary. Rules for using site Other people not picking up poop. Rules are too restrictive -I'm glad they are not enforced. I've never gotten the rules for using site. Newer members are not made aware of how to enter, pay, etc. Non-members have no clue. Closing at sunset means I can't exercise the dog Dec, Jan and Feb. It's no darker at 6PM than it is at 5 am. 8 PM would be much more reasonable and make it possible for people with jobs to use park. Park closing at sunset during winter months is not reasonable. It leaves too little time after work. Enforcement of rules and regulations I have been ticketed for not showing pass but it had blown on to the floor. That's just stupid! Too extreme. I know of several very aggressive dogs that are at the park often. We (and others) have left the park multiple times because of aggressive dogs. More needs to be done to such dog handlers. Who enforces? A lot of people do not pick up droppings. Some people don't clean up after their dogs. Parking and permits should be enforced. I always see park staff writing tickets, but NEVER see them patrolling INSIDE the park and meeting patrons. That is my biggest gripe. Sometimes wish someone was here to be sure owners were more responsible. Bad owners lead to bad pets -dogs that are not fixed should not be allowed. People break rules all of the time and get away with it as in not cleaning up after their dogs. No one was at the park enforcing any rules. Some people use this pet exercise area without paying any fees. Number of dogs not enforced. Some people don't understand this park is for dogs, it is not a picnic, kite flying family oriented park. There are other parks to leave dogs on leash that are better equipped for family outings. Leaving dogs on leash is worse for all dogs here. This should be posted. Owners are not all cleaning up after their pets. Need to post this requirement. Reported the dog and handler to Ranger in parking lot. Lady was told the dog had to be placed on leash when in park but they haven't. Dog has bit other dogs also. I have seen multi -dog fights. There is no one here to enforce the rules. There's no enforcement of rules. Have volunteers in the park. I received a five dollar ticket instead of getting a warning. I usually purchase a season pass. Cleanliness and maintenance of site Some of the other owners are not cleaning up, i.e. waste, toys, wrappers. Pond has algae, is stinky. Pond is dirty. The bathroom isn't cleaned very often and the paths were very muddy this spring without woodchips. Trails are getting bad and never have seen a staff or volunteer. There seems to be a problem with people cleaning up after their dogs. It is hard to enforce this, but maybe it would help to have a few garbage cans placed throughout the park to encourage clean-up. Pet exercise area needs more woodchips around the paths and pond area -very muddy. Park trails are not mulched often enough. They are pretty much mud now and have been for awhile. 59 Cleanliness and maintenance of site (continued) It needs to have more woodchips. It gets very muddy. We need more wood chips on waking trails and around pond. I felt there could be better maintenance on trails. Fresh mulch is needed each spring since it seems to be washed away every spring. There are not a lot of clean places: poop, long grass, etc. Part of the trail is often not easy to travel on because it is too wet. There are 3 or 4 small stumps in the path that cause tripping very easily. In the summer time the pond gets dirty, nobody cleans it and dogs get sick because they drink polluted water. There have been a number of occasions where there were no poop bags available which lead to many messes being left. These instances also seem to occur for many weeks at a time. A lot of people do not respect the rule of picking up after your dog -maybe more signs and disposal bags should be posted. The trails need more woodchips. It is very muddy there. I don't dare take my dog near the pond. The water does not look clean and is surrounded by mud. Owners are not picking up dog poop, especially on paths. Need more wood chips on path. We did just get woodchips, but it took two years and some of the piles have 2x4 pieces of wood with nails in them! You need more woodchips on the trails. If you had more garbage cans around the path it would promote cleanliness. People quite often do not clean up after their dog even though bags are provided. It is pretty clean, but the paths need a lot of maintenance after the snow melted and there are large areas where the chips have washed away. Not everyone cleans up after their dog and unfortunately the woodchips get washed away in the rain. More people need to clean up after their dogs. Need more woodchips on trails. Trails are not maintained -heavy rain washes away mulch leaving very muddy areas There is mud and lack of bags over two to three days at a time. Decent trails. Natural elements(grass, trees, water) It would be nice if we had some way to keep the pond filled with clean water all year. In the summer it gets very low and some dogs get sick from the water. Could they schedule 2-3 cuttings a summer on the trails to keep the weeds down? Pond needs to be user friendly for animals; dogs get sick from standing water. Water not clean. That pond is a mud, germ pit. Natural elements (grass, trees, water) (continued) The water in the pond gets stagnant. Some dogs have gotten sick later in the summer as it warms up. It would be nice if more fresh water could be added. Pond very polluted by mid-July (no circulation). Staff & volunteer service I have never seen anyone there except for lot police and person giving me this survey. Have never met any staff. Never see staff. Staff little to no interaction at park except this survey. Never seen park employee inside, only handing out tickets. There seems to be nobody enforcing the rules except for parking. It would be helpful if there were staff visiting during heavy use (weekends, mornings) to promote good behavior of pets. Every spring and fall a group of us do a poop pick-up in the park and it would be nice if the group were recognized by the park system and provide assistance tools (wheelbarrows, shovels, etc.) or snacks and beverages. Not much staff presence, except to dispense tickets. Never have seen staff at site. Restrooms Gross! Bathroom is unpleasant to use if really hot out. Restroom door did not lock, was dirty. Restroom gets dirty and out of toilet paper sometimes. No lock on bathroom door. Dirty and not kept up with toilet paper stock. Number not right for crowd. The bathroom could use more attention in frequency and thoroughness. The restroom needs to be cleaned more. Many times the restrooms don't have toilet paper. I'm not a fan of the bathroom facility. The restroom is rarely cleaned! Restroom needs more cleaning. It would be nice to have running water for both people and dogs. Parking areas Needs to be larger. It was very hard to find parking because the lot and across the street was full. Need bigger parking lot. The parking lot is too small for the amount of use it gets. Very busy now and there isn't enough parking. Need something other than red dirt in parking lot. The parking areas are small. It was nice that they put gravel in parking lot but that red class 5 makes a mess in the car, it seems to stain. Move the handicap sign to the right some. It's on a post that makes it look like it's taking up two parking spots. Not enough parking spaces -especially on weekends when it is nice out. 60 Parking areas (continued) Parking lot needs to accommodate park usage. Lines need to be created in parking lot so space can be used to full potential. Parking on the road seems to be dangerous and parking lot is small. Elm Creek is a popular park weekday evenings and weekends parking overflows to the street making visibility very poor when leaving the lot. The red parking lot dirt gets tracked all over the vehicle - blacktop or gravel would be better. Wish it was a paved lot. Parking area -too small. The parking area is too small during weekends and summer. Can it be enlarged? When it's hot out, there are not a lot of places to park because it gets busy. The parking lot is a bit small. On weekends I often have to park across the road. (Not really a big deal) The parking lot is often the muddiest part. Need more parking area especially on the weekends and would like to see something done with the surface because when wet it gets very muddy with clay. Not enough parking. It is small; it does not have lines on the ground. There is never any parking available on Sat. or Sun. mornings. Too muddy and rutted in spring. Parking area is very muddy. More off street parking would be good. Sometimes people have to park along the roads. Parking lot is clay and makes a major mess in vehicle, wood chips would be nice. The parking lot gets really messy due to the clay surface my dog gets dirty. The parking lot needs gravel or blacktop. At present it is very muddy when it rains or the snow melts. Parking area is too small (on weekends only) and more importantly very muddy. The parking area is extremely muddy when it rains. Need to be paved or rocked. Lots are bad because of mud. Could use different topping on surface. Need more parking and use a different material -very muddy when wet in parking lot. Parking area too small for peak times also it would be much nicer (cleaner) if it was paved, especially in the spring. Parking lot is too small. The parking lot could be paved. Parking is too small. The parking lot has been very icy lately and there are lots of potholes at the entrance. Otherwise, it's been fine, a little muddy when it rains but in good condition for a gravel parking lot. The parking is inadequate for the number of visitors during the peak times (which are weekends and after work). The size should be larger Parking areas (continued) for the number of visitors. I would recommend adding another location like this. The parking sucks, there no other way to put it. The parking lot is clay and is very messy when it's wet in the spring or when it's raining out. People and dogs get dirtier in the lot than they do in the park. There are BIG potholes in the parking area. There are potholes in the parking lot. The red dirt in the parking lot is VERY hard to clean after the dog tracks it into the vehicle. The parking lot should be gravel or blacktop. The gravel parking lot is very messy/muddy in the spring and when it rains. It's difficult to wipe down my dog and get him into the vehicle clean. His paws are always in the mud. Sometimes the parking area is full. Having a paved parking lot might clean up some of the potholes. Too small Need more parking, especially during weekends. Parking area is too small and way too muddy. Parking lot is not well maintained, nor large enough for very busy times. Lots of potholes in parking lot. We wish the parking lot were paved -the lot is used a lot, becomes dirty during the wet months (dogs get dirty walking to the car). Pavement in the parking lot would be a welcome improvement (even if it meant increasing cost of annual pass). The parking area is too small. Cil Size of pet exercise area Needs to be larger. There needs to be a small mowed area. Considering the number of people visiting the park, it could be larger. The park area is too small. Park is too small; it gets very crowded at night and on weekends. Design and la outof pet exercise area We need a larger parking lot and a gate inside the gate (to unleash your dog). Would like water access, clean for washing down dogs and offering dogs some water. Since this is Minnesota, it would be nice to have lights so the dogs can exercise in the winter after most people work. Appendix E Verbatim Comments about the Off -leash Areas or about Three Rivers Park District Cleary Lake Regional Park Entrance Area Entrance Area: there are too many people sitting there with their dogs and talking. So when I bring my smaller dog in, she gets harassed. If you could make it so there is not an area in front for people to sit, this would be great. There are other areas where this could happen. Love it! Best improvements would be to add a second entrance for the dogs and double gate both of them. Two entrance gates, so that you open the last gate and walk into a holding area before opening the 2nd gate, less chance of other dogs sneaking out while solo gate is open. Fence line path very muddy. Could use some shade trees. Staff Your staff at Cleary Lake is doing an outstanding job! There are good walking paths so both dog and people can get exercise. [Staff name], the park officer is an excellent officer and should be awarded for her friendliness and respect for the patrons. She is an asset to your organization. It's nice that you have done some work this year on the dog park; it's a lot more work than previous years. Your new security guy is very good! Pleasant to have around! Thanks for the dog treats! I never really encountered or looked for staff or volunteers at the dog park. Need more dog parks to keep the stimulation - anything with water (my dog loves it)! I would love something closer to Eagan. Yes, I was glad to see the park police patrol the parking lot from time to time. I would like to see them more often. I think this survey is a good idea to improve the park. Keep up the good work. Your employee [staff name] introduced me to the park. She is an asset to your organization. It would be nice to have lights and some rocks in the parking lot to cut down on muddy paws. Why is it important to know race/ethnicity? The designers and maintainers are doing a terrific job! Thanks! We love it, from our first visit! We plan to continue to renew our pass. Great area and wonderful park for our family to enjoy together time and for us to care for our dogs by socializing and exercise. We have seen staff here many times; they are friendly. We have gotten one family to get a membership and another to visit when they can! Thank you. 62 Behavior of Visitors I only wish people were more conscientious about cleaning up after their dogs if they poop off the path and in the grass. Most people won't pick that up; only if their dog poops on the path then they clean up. My dog loves it! It's a great place to not have to worry about him running around. Everyone I've encountered is very conscious of their dogs and interacts with mine. Owners don't always pick up their dogs' feces and it remains on the walk -path. This is a wonderful facility. The only thing wrong is a few lazy slobs that can't clean up after their dogs; Three Rivers is going a great job. Thank you. We just started coming in last winter and love it!! Some people seem to be "uptight" -they get upset when a larger dog comes up to their small dog. We've never had a problem. Thanks for such a great place to bring our dog. Keep up the good work!! The only problem I see at the park is people bringing young children to the park and not watching them or keeping them at arms length. Although I have never seen a problem with this (i.e. dog bites kid) it is going to happen if it continues. Cleanliness and Maintenance of Site More garbage cans along trails to put poop and not have to carry it. How about having a water and soda machine. Design and maintenance are excellent. Need to extend winter hours to 22:00. Can't use during week due to early closing. Start an adopt -a -tree program to enhance landscape and protection from wind. Outstanding and thoroughly maintained area! #1 dog park in our experience. This was my first visit. I loved the trails and the friendliness of patrons and other dogs. The area is gorgeous and much larger than expected. I love the complete fencing of area. Not sure I will come back due to large deposits of fecal matter. Cleary Lake Regional Park is very well maintained. I love having a fenced off leash area for my dog to run, play, and socialize with other dogs. We had been using the Alimagnet Park in Burnsville prior to finding the Cleary dog park. I have found Cleary so well planned and maintained, and it always has friendly dogs and people -just ideal. Our lab and rottie get plenty of exercise on our small farm, but we still walk Cleary every Sunday morning. Thanks. It is a very lovely setting. It's easy to access. There is a good source of water. It is clean and organized. Cleanliness and Maintenance of Site (continued) Cleary Lake pet exercise area is the best one around. You guys do a great job of maintaining the grounds. I would rather drive the 40 mile round trip to your park than any other. Keep up the good work! Also, lights would be great. Great facility. Ground maintenance is great this year. Maybe a larger mowed area away from the entrance and move the picnic tables away from entrance, so less interruption from dogs entering and leaving the park. I guess they will need to move the water to a new mowed area a little bit away from the entrance. I wish it were a little bigger. I wish that I could bring my other dog to run, but will not since she sometimes doesn't care for other dogs. This park is far cleaner and better than the dog park in Burnsville. Plus, people that come to this one seem to be able to understand that they are responsible for their dog's behavior. I just started coming here on July 16th. Thank you for this survey! Very good questions. More dog parks! More dogs parks! (Hand -drawn picture of a happy dog). Park is very nice and well-maintained. Could use a few bag dispensers and trash cans out on trails. The running water is very nice for washing off after swimming. Another nice touch that I saw at another park was a laminated map of the area and a first aid manual for dogs and humans at the entrance area. Thanks for keeping it well-maintained. The gravel on low areas is very nice. Lights would be great for fall and winter. Can't wait until the trees mature. Very clean. A shelter would be a nice feature. A location for people to gather, shade, protection in inclement weather. We're moving to Northfield in the fall but will come when in the area. Our dog loves the pond. Lights would be great, especially into late fall and early spring. Hope paths are maintained for winter usage. More dog feces disposal bins farther out may encourage more people to pick up, rather than having to carry it the full loop. Look for volunteers to go and clean up the droppings. I like the new mowed areas, you need a shelter, you should not allow spiked dog collars, you need more garbage cans maybe in the pond area, and you shouldn't put full names on the front of the permit. The pet exercise area is wonderful! The staff has done a great job with the up -keep and changes. My daughter and I love walking the park with our dog. Thank you! Awesome park - well maintained. Would be great to have a waste container on north fence line. I would love to see an off -leash area at Hyland too! I've experienced no conflicts; all the dogs and owners are great! Friendly and informative towards new dog owners. We just got our dog in April 2005. An additional trash can, near the back of the park, would be great. This year's improvements are great. 63 Cleanliness and Maintenance of Site (continued) Needs a sheltered area like at the Burnsville dog park. I like the extra picnic tables and I like the new mowed areas with picnic tables. Need more garbage receptacles especially at pond. Maybe more people will pick up poop. Bags always stocked. It would be nice if there was paved parking so the dog's feet wouldn't get the car dirty. The one item that has been a concern lately is the holes that some dogs create on the paths. Someone is going to get a broken leg/ankle if something is not done about getting them filled in. PLEASE PUT ROCKS at the pond site to CUT DOWN. on the mud. I am moving to Mayer, but I will still travel the miles to Cleary Lake, it is the BEST fully fenced park there is. More trash cans spread over the park area. Sir Noble does not like the chunky rocks in the entrance area. I realize grass is not an option. I've seen what happens. Very well maintained. Thank you for the improvements made. Continue the great work and filling the mud holes with stones. Please let us use the park after 5pm during the winter months. Would like to see more shaded areas and would like to see the area sprayed for tent caterpillars -VERY bad at Cleary Lake. Permits and Fees I would like to see one permit or pass for family use annually. I have too many car stickers, dashboard and wallet passes. The fee is very low considering some people bring three or four dogs out. One woman pet -sits and brings a car load of dogs out. It's nice to see improvements continuously being made. I would like there to not be a park fee added this year. Thank you for providing free parking! I don't know where the turf trails for dogs are located. Please make sure to let people know about the fee for using this area, and also how to get it and where annual stickers are. Would be nice to have parking permit and dog annual pass combined as one sticker versus having two separate pieces, or have dog pass be something to stick on window instead of a loose card. It's frustrating to me the number of cars I see without a parking pass or permit and no day tag. The paying guests subsidize a lot of dog owners. I hope the fines for non-paying users are stiff to deter repeated abuse. Please don't take it away for lack of funds. Charge more - it's well worth it! Rules for Using the Site The dog park should be open after sunset, especially during the late fall and the winter. It makes no sense to be open at 5:00 am (when it's dark) and then not be open past 4:00 pm. People who don't feel safe walking their dog in the dark don't need to visit after sunset. Rules for Using the Site (continued) It is normally a very good experience when we go. I understand that it is the owner's responsibility to be in control of their dog, but it's hard to control other people and their dog. Please post a sign about aggressive behavior AND a sign about keeping control of your animal - not just sit at the tables. The fee is about right now that we don't have to pay for both to park and to use the fenced in area. More garbage receptacles, especially near pond. Rules for kids. More signs to pick up poop. What I like: Bags have been full every time lately. Like new hose with drain and entrance double fence. Don't need a parking permit! But if I meet someone here without a dog, will they get a ticket? This is a wonderful park. It would be helpful to have something to hand to people when they join to teach and encourage dog and people etiquette. Rules need to be upheld. Add a few signs around the perimeter reminding people to pick up after their dogs. Parking It needs more parking and one or two more picnic areas/tables. I'm glad the muddy areas have been fenced off. My dog rolls in mud to cool off. The holes dug by dogs were filled in. Paths are always cut, but I would like different gravel on parking area; dogs track it into car. Some people don't clean up after their dog. I usually go early in the morning to avoid crowds in the afternoon. This is a great park! Recent improvements of gravel, gates, and water have really made it even better! Wish there were more like it. I have heard second hand of one individual not controlling one particular aggressive dog. I appreciate all the recent upgrades and bigger parking lot, a gate entry/exit system, gravel in low areas of paths. A paved parking lot would be nice, so I could wash and dry my dog's feet before getting in the car. The gravel/dirt sticks to their wet feet when dew is heavy or they go swimming. You are doing a great job at Cleary. During peak hours there could be more parking. As the trees mature there should be some shade on hot summer days. Paving the parking lot would be great. That orange clay stuff sticks to the dogs and is hard to get off. Need paved parking lot. Awesome park!! The best thing that happened to me and dogs. Great improvements this summer with the parking lot and filling in rock on the trails. The park is beautiful! Thanks for expanding the parking lot and placing rocks on the muddy spots this spring. We appreciate how well you maintain the park. 64 Pond I would like there to be more visits by rangers. Also, is there any way to keep a higher water level in the pond? I would be happy to pay more if you could maybe have a water truck fill the pond once a week. I wish the pond were not so full of algae. I worry about health issues when my dogs use the pond. If it were larger or didn't get so shallow late in the season, it would help. I only wish the pond was cleaner and that there was some shade in that area. Also.the trails get very mucky in the spring. Great size/type park! The pond wasn't all that important when we started coming to Cleary, but since then our four year old dog has learned to swim. We like this dog park better than Bloomington or Alimagnet - fewer bugs, more open space, cleaner pond, and good area (out in the country). Overall, I like the park very much. I only wish there was access to a cleaner water supply for dogs to swim in. I really enjoy bringing my dogs to Cleary and I enjoy the people there. It would be an extra benefit to filter the pond somehow. I don't know how it could be done, but if the water in the pond could be changed or filtered to clean it, it would add to it. That would be a wonderful asset. Thank you. Great park! Lots of room to run! Wish there was a way to filter the pond or run some fresh water, etc. into it. I've heard of a lot of dogs getting sick from the pond during the summer months. There should be a mandatory off -leash rule once the dogs are in the park. I've seen a lot of fights erupt from one owner keeping a leash on the dog while inside the park. If the dog is too aggressive or not well controlled enough to be off leash, they shouldn't be in the park. Cleary Lake, with all the dogs, has a lot of dog waste in the exercise area been going into pond? Dogs are swimming with disease in water. General Comments A rain shelter would be lovely especially in light of this spring's weather. I'm really glad it is available and am overall very happy with the park. It is very hard to get to the park before dusk during the winter. Lights would be a wonderful addition. Organize "volunteer to improve park" program i.e. people who use it. Plant trees with protection i.e., screen from dogs, maybe flowering bushes, bird houses for bluebirds. I wish there were more trees for shade on hot days. I use Alimagnet in winter and Coats (Dakota County Park) on hot days. I think that basically you've done a very good job with the park. It would be nice to plant some trees. Would like to see more mowed open areas near entrance for dogs to interact and play (chase each other). Thank you! General Comments (continued) I don't like the idea of too many picnic tables. Dogs run through the weeds and some have run into picnic tables and broken bones. If people want to sit and not exercise their dogs they should probably stay home. If possible, add a water source at the opposite end of the current supply. Excellent dog park! You guys are doing a good job! Thanks for caring about our pets! Yes, I would like to get my exercise while I am walking my dog and I would like it posted how many miles it is around the perimeter of the park; just like at Murphy/Hanrehan. I like to keep track of how many miles I walk. I absolutely love this park. My dog goes ballistic when I say "dog park". It is always the highlight of our day! I am there almost everyday, but have a disease where I shouldn't be in the sun a lot. A shelter like the Alimagnet dog park would be nice, especially when you are caught in the rain. Love the new areas you've moved. Need more garbage, like by the pond. I like the picnic tables throughout the park to rest. It is a great place. We love it! Please, please hurry with the dog park in Victoria! I'm just dog sitting! Cool park! Keep it up! Excellent park! That's why we drive so far. We also drive to Elm Creek. Just put one downtown and we'll be happy! I love it! We use it year-round. It's my major use (only use, actually) of the Park District. When I bring my out-of-town friends to the park, they are jealous that their cities do not have similar off -leash parks. This survey is mostly about people. I bring my dog for the benefits to the dog and not so much about myself. Our dogs really love coming here and we enjoy bringing them. It would be great to have more dog exercise areas available. We normally can come only on weekends, and sometimes it gets pretty crowded. It will become even busier as time goes by. The improvements this year have been great. It would be nice to have more places like this to go, without having to drive miles and miles, especially with gas prices going up so much. It's a wonderful play area for our dogs. It would be great to have some protection from the sun. Need more trees. I love the dog park! Keep it up - I've been to many dog parks in the Twin Cities and this one out- shines the others 100%! I recently moved here and discovered this dog park this past winter. My dog loves it, and that makes me very happy. I love having the off -leash park. My dog is so happy to come and play. Great park, nicely done. Thanks for taking good care of it. 65 General Comments (continued) I greatly prefer this dog park to Alimagnet (where dogs are often out of owner's sight and jump on you when they are all wet and muddy because water is not fenced off). Add an off -leash, fenced dog park at all of our parks - especially Hyland! Cleary Lake has perfect combination of size and nature. For more solitude I go to Murphy. Cleary pet exercise is also small enough that dogs and people can socialize without being cramped. Great park. I love the park and have referred many people to it! The dogs enjoy being off leash and they get a great work out in the lake. Awesome! Love the park. Great job. We love it and are so glad to have found it! I just found the area this year and just love it! It is such a wonderful place for the animals. I couldn't be happier with it. Love the dog park. Wish there were more pet parks! Thanks for being there! My dog and I love the improvements you've made over the past year. Keep up the good work. Need exercise park in Shakopee. I view it as exceptional use of the tax payer's dollar. Too many dogs get loose. These annual surveys are seemingly a waste of resources. I think that the pet exercise is a great thing. It seems more people use it every year, and that is so great for the dogs. This park has been a blessing for me and my puppy. We both love it and are so glad that we have a place like this so close to home. Gracie has a smile on her face the minute we get there and it continues until we leave. We've also made a few friends. Thank you. Three Rivers administration, staff and sites appear excellent. Looks like you are trying hard. We enjoy many family outings and special events as patrons. Please add a new park pet area for inner ring suburbs i.e. Edina, Richfield. Keep up the good work. Please make another dog park. I would like to see more trees and woods. In the summer it might be pretty warm and there is no shade. My dogs and I love it. It is the best dog park I've ever been to. Can't wait for spring grasses to grow. We really enjoy this park. It's great. It's an awesome park. Definitely the best park I've been to. What a great place. I'm going there right now!! We really enjoy coming. Thank you!! We love the park! Thank you for making this park possible! It is appreciated! General Comments eneral) We love the dog park! Keep up the good work! I am glad I heard about it! My dogs like to have freedom and I don't have a fenced in yard. This allows me to feel they are safe and gives them the freedom to play. Our dog, a Jack Russell Terrier -loves it. It gives her a chance to socialize with other dogs and run at top speed for exercise. "A chance to be a dog!" Thank you for having it! I very much appreciate having the pet exercise area available to me. My dog Cocoa loves it!! Thank you. I love the fenced in dog park and so does my Husky. Thank you for providing such a great place. It would be nice to have a larger mowed area for playing fetch. Elm Creek Park Reserve Access to Water Could a water faucet be installed to fill water bowls? It would really be nice to have a water supply for the dogs. Thanks for providing this wonderful park!! We love it, but there needs to be a more secure gate and better access to clean water. You need to dig a well for drinking water for the dogs and for clean water to clean them after they've been in the pond. It's not always clean water. Running water would be a great addition to have fresh water for the dogs to drink. Any additional cost for an annual pass would be worthwhile. My dog and I love Elm Creek pet exercise area and are out there just about every day and I think these parks are great to let your dog run free especially when you live in a town home and don't have a yard. But I would be willing to pay more to have fresh water, and a shelter for the winter months. Needs a dog and person drinking fountain. I would pay more for the park if there were running water to rinse the dogs after being in the pond. I love going there. But I would really like to see a fresh/clean water source. I would be willing to pay more or participate in fund raising efforts to help pay for it. Overall, we love this park!! Good job! The only thing I would add is a source of clean water for dogs to drink and for people to wash their hands. I would also add a sort of entry pen with a gate leading to the parking area and a gate leading to the park. This would help protect dogs from accidentally escaping into the parking lot. This is the best dog park we've been to by far! It's wonderful. Would it be possible to hold a fund raiser? Whether by mail or an event? 1 would happily contribute money for a specific project. Such as a double gate! 66 Access to Water (continued) A source of fresh drinking/dog rinsing water would be a huge improvement. A well with a hand pump surrounded by a small concrete pad to avoid mud, located on a hill for drainage would be appreciated. I'd pay more for that. If there was a way to improve water quality in the pond, I'd pony up bucks for that too. (chemical treatment, circulation via windmill with natural filtration?) Planks or platform walkways or even interwoven sticks laid down to keep muddiest portions of paths passable when wet would be good. Number of Visitors and Parking I'm so grateful to have this pet exercise area. Thanks for providing it. It would be great if it were larger. It really gets crowded on weekends and on weekdays after 3:30pm. Please make it larger. I'm very satisfied. This is a wonderful area to walk our dog. He loves it (as we do). We are somewhat discouraged by how busy it has become. We can no longer enjoy the quiet time with our dog and nature, as we did two years ago. You really need more park space like this! Paved parking area would be nice - dog and I track current stuff into car, especially when feet are wet. Expand your popular parks that can get heavy use (Elm Creek). The usage of the pet area gets more use (per capita) than probably any other area of the park, more times of day and week. Bike trails and hike trails only see use on nice days or summer weekends. Dogs poop in pond all the time, not your fault, but the dog handlers themselves. The park is wonderful, but too small. Please enlarge it and pave/enlarge parking area. We enjoy the dog park very much. We feel it is a valuable resource for dog owners and that other cities could benefit from a pet exercise area like the one at Elm Creek. At times when there are several people at the park, cars are parked on the road; it can be difficult to see beyond the cars when leaving the lot. The park is getting almost too popular and there are weekends where parking can be scarce. We could use a double gate to ensure dogs don't slip out when others are entering the park. Part of the fence could use attention. (south side). It would be very helpful if the parking lot was surfaced. We love it and try to go at least 4-5 times a week. The only thing I would change is the red dirt/gravel in the parking lot. As soon as we leave the park and walk to our car the red dirt gets all over my dog's feet especially if their feet are wet. Then, even though I have towels on my back seat, the red dirt still gets all over the seat backs and on the inside of my windows. Once it is on the fabric of the car it is hard to get out. Perhaps a tan -colored dirt or a white/ beige color. Pavement in the parking lot would be even better. Thank you. Behavior of Other Visitors Some owners are jerks about picking up after their pet. Good owners pick up more than their own dog's poop. Some don't pay. This is a great service and area for our dogs. Some people treat this as a people exercise/play area and ruin it for the dogs. Thank you for providing a great off leash area. People could do a lot better job of picking up after their dogs. Perhaps a reminder sign. I think most regulars are responsible about this. Add lighting for evening. Add plumbing for running water for hot days to keep dogs hydrated. Fix gates at entrance so dogs, no matter the size cannot get out. Add parking and make parking lines. Do not close Hayden Lake Rd. Rules for Using the Site In winter, sundown is too early to be asked to leave. Let people stay after dark. Especially during the winter when it gets dark so early it's hard to get up there after work. Otherwise, snow makes it very light anyway. Very important to me. Thanks! We would like to use the park at night. My only request is that we don't get tagged for being in the park after sunset in winter. (It hasn't happened yet.) The dogs still need exercise and many of us can't get there until 4:00 or 4:30 P.M. I don't feel that 6:00 P.M. is unreasonable. I know you think it's a safety issue, but it's just the regulars who all know each other and all the dogs play well together. We've never had an incident after dark in the four years I have been there. Why does the dog park close at sunset? At 5:OOam when the park opens, it is dark. 1. I would like the winter hours expanded beyond dusk by an hour. The shorter days make it hard to walk dogs when you have to be out by dusk. 2. The pond needs some help to keep the water moving. Several dogs get sick from the bacteria in the water. 3. Having a 2nd gate in from the parking lot to alleviate congestion during the weekends. Lighting such as that on XC trails. Would be nice for winter when it gets dark so early, even if just until 7 p.m., it would be helpful and welcomed. Please post a "No swimming for humans" sign by the pond. People and children wade in it - gross! Enforcement of Rules and Regulations Please, provide an area to rinse dogs. It would be a tremendous benefit. Also, eliminating aggressive dogs - we've had two very negative experiences. The same dogs attacking over and over. We leave the park if we see these particular dogs. Also, we have two vehicles, it would be nice to get two stickers/passes for a family - we can't trade cars every time we go to the park. Overall great job! We love the park and just hope the aggressive dog issues are addressed soon so we can spend more time there! 67 Enforcement of Rules and Regulations (continued) Fine people ($500-$1000) who don't pick up waste. That would pay someone to patrol the parks no problem. Unannounced "rules compliance" checks by park police once in awhile -especially on weekend mornings would be appreciated. Get your staff to go into the park!! Makes us feel safer and welcome. Cleanliness and Maintenance of Site I would like more garbage cans for feces and dual gates, because some people don't pay attention. Woodchips need to be replaced on trails - very muddy! Otherwise, great park! In the winter, when the paths are icy, they get VERY dangerous. Could you bring a small tractor through to break up the ice? Frustrated with the way the woodchips were used last year. It took over a month to spread out the wood chips and it didn't seem like it should have taken that long. Huge mounds of woodchips laid in the park for over a month! There are still woodchips that are not spread. Time management could have been used more efficiently. You need to spread fresh woodchips on trails. A fresh water fountain for both dogs and humans would be great especially when the swamp water is bad for dogs to drink in late summer. It's a wonderful place. It is a great area and I'm glad I discovered it. My only concern is about the cleanliness of the grounds and also the condition of the pond as far as spreading any illnesses from the dogs. More waste baskets for disposal of pet waste bags. Part of the trail is often not walkable because it is too wet. There are three or four small stumps in the path that cause tripping very easily. The parking lot is often the muddiest part. The trash is often full and stinky. I bring my own bags, because the dispenser is often empty. The one time I used the bathroom there was no toilet paper. I like the bark on the main trail. I hope it will be redone in spring 2005. I love and appreciate the park but of course there's always room for improvement. I'm sure it's the only part of the park that gets used 365 days of the year. Hot or cold, rain or shine, so I feel it deserves more attention: i.e. woodchips, clean water, and a better parking lot surface. It's wonderful. Thank You. I am glad you redid the wood chips on the trails. There was one year when you didn't and it was really muddy. Hope you can keep it up. Thanks also for the new trees on the hill and the dog water dishes. Need trash cans at pond and picnic areas and one about half way around walk area. Cleanliness and Maintenance of Site (continued) The trails need to be maintained better. We finally got woodchips about a month ago, but they are still in piles and have not been spread. The pond is used heavily, and I'd like to see it maintained better (water levels, cleanliness, etc.). I love it! You could use more trash cans. Other people may be more apt to pick up dog accidents if they didn't have to carry it around the whole park! The garbage cans need to be emptied more often. Would be nice if some areas could be mowed and something done to pond to keep it clean in late summer/mid-July on. Dogs get sick from pond. Permits and Fees Parking permits should be per vehicle in household. The reserve is incredible. I would gladly pay higher taxes to fund projects like this. The dog park is a lifesaver. We purchased our permit a month ago and still have not received the "official" permit. Consider decreasing the daily fee to $3.00. Dog park users should be charged the same as non -dog park users. Elm Creek has the best off leash area that we've ever seen! It's well worth the 60 -mile round trip drive each Sunday from St. Paul and the $30 fee. In contrast, the Cleary Lake site is boring. It should be relocated within that beautiful park. Overall I love it and greatly appreciate its existence. I've had a lot of good times there! Thanks you! A window sticker for a pass would be easier than remembering to put out the blue pass. If there were a way to aerate the pond, it would be wonderful! We need woodchips on the trails again. Elm Creek is a wonderful park. Thank you very much for making this available to dog owners at such a reasonable cost. We really appreciate your efforts! If you don't come to the park, the fees are very high because that is the only reason I use the pass. Very good. Pond It is important for a city to have this area. I like the pond, but it's dirty. If it doesn't rain often, the pond dries up. Some sort of water churning device in the Elm Creek pond would help with the bacteria forming. I know money is an issue, but the pond could.use an aerator. I hear they have solar powered ones. It really stinks and quite a few dogs have gotten sick. Keep them clean. Replenish the pond due to evaporation. If possible have two entrances, reducing conflicts at the gate. Poop bags are the responsibility of the pet owner -not the park system. Love the park and would use it year-round if it wasn't for the pond. Thanks. 68 Pond (continued) Have you considered treating the pond for parasites? What about running water to rinse your dog? Otherwise keep up the good work! O My wish list for the park would be: cleaner water or more water in the pond, and mulch instead of woodchips (slivers from chips go into paws of the dogs causing infection). Thanks! We love the park! The pond is not always clean. We love the park, especially the pond. A shaded area would be nice. I'm disappointed that they closed access through Dayton. It's hard to get to the park from Otsego. More garbage cans around the site. I love the park and come several times a week. When I just moved to Minneapolis it gave me a social outlet I desperately needed. Here are my "pie in the sky" wishes though: paved parking and a doggy shower! Since the site has a pond, it would be nice if it had water flowing in and out to refresh it. Last year several dogs came down with a stomach ailment from drinking the water. Empirical (stop coming to the park and dog gets better - come back and dog gets ill). I would like to see an off -leash park that doesn't have any ponds or water. Why isn't there a water system to keep the man-made pond cleaner? I love the pet exercise areas and so does my dog. However, when the mosquito season is in full force, we stop coming to parks. Also, for diseases and such, pond should have aerator. Unless there is tons of rain, the pond is usually very stinky and not high enough for dogs to swim. The mud is gross and is very slippery. I infrequently utilized the area last year for that reason. General Comments I go to the pet exercise area to let my dog have a good run. That's very important because if I devote the morning to them, they are good for the day and I don't have to worry about their health and happiness. I've been visiting this exercise area since it opened! It is the best dog park we have been to due to the size, trails, and numerous ponds. It's great; my pet loves it there. We just moved here; it's great. Thank you; it's wonderful! We've only been twice, but my dog loves it there! The Rogas Dog Park needs to be fenced in to get more people to go. We have visited this pet exercise area only four times. We have a 10 month old puppy and are just starting to visit these areas - we (especially my son) love it. I like the park (pet area) very much. My dogs have a chance to exercise and frolic with other dogs. I would love it to be bigger, but I am very happy to have the space they do for all the dogs! Thank you! It's a great resource! General Comments (continued) My kids and I love being able to bring our Siberian Husky there and be able to let him go free and be able to run free and wild and watch him play with other dogs and swim without worries of not being able to catch him or run away. We visit all of your parks. Our puppy is just two years old, and he loves the pet area. With the road closed it is very inconvenient to use the park. I think it's great for the dogs. My dog loves going here. I'm glad I found it. Glad it is there for my day! I have been to all the Park District dog parks -Elm Creek Park is easily the best, in my opinion -my dog loves it! My dog loves it and I've (we've) met many friends there. Dogs really enjoy the area. It's nice that it's fenced in. Great park. My dog loves it! Wish there was one closer to home, but it's certainly worth the drive. Thanks for a great facility. I would not use if it were not close to home. I think pet exercise areas are great, where you can bring your pets especially if you live in a place where you can't run them and would like to see more of them. I think dogs should be allowed on more of the horse trails, there are not enough places to walk dogs. Great place to let the dogs play, two legged critters also get some exercise too. Thank you for providing a great area/facility. It is great to have areas like this where both dogs and owners can socialize. We need more. It has been invaluable for us in exercising our large dog. Very convenient, well kept, good people, mostly nice dogs. Keep it up. Like idea of fencing pond like one at Cleary site. People seem to become lazier when weather is colder about picking up after their dog. Any chance of stocking the restroom with wash ups or waterless soap. On occasions, we have seen dogs escape the gate, bolt from cars or otherwise get perilously close to the road. A double chute type entry might help distracted owners with this problem. We are concerned about the proposed road closure, which after a long drive will make it much more difficult for us to reach the park. Might a closer, similar entry be possible? Staff is pleasant and helpful. We use an off -leash park in the city of St. Paul on a daily basis. One of the biggest problems with that site is people who do not educate themselves through reading or observation about dog behavior. I would pay more for permit if they could make park permit and dog park permit one sticker, instead of paper permit on dash board. Glad it's there. The dogs love it. It's a very nice facility. Thank you. I've only been going a few months, but I enjoy the dogs and people. Thank you. General Comments (continued) I wish it was closer. The St. Paul Awkright/Maryland is too small for the numbers using it. Also, way too many gates! I'm always worried someone would let a dog out or steal one. Thank you for having a great place to share with our four -legged family members. The off -leash dog area is a great place that I can bring my dogs for good exercise and socialization. They love it and so do I! I would love more and/or longer park trails that allowed dogs. We tend to not go to Elm Creek Park and drive to parks further away that allow dogs on all trails. The pet exercise area is awesome! My dogs love it! It is a very nice park. My dog and I love it. I only wish I had known about it before last September. I have lived in Maple Grove for 10 years at the same residence. I love the dog park and am happy that we have this park available to us. I like it! I know this survey is about Elm Creek, but Crow Hassan is very neglected. I would like to see some changes at Crow. I love your park. You do a great job. You are doing a fine job. Please keep it up. Overall though we love the dog park. We don't know what we would do without it! Our dog is a much, much happier dog by going there! We believe there should be a dog park like this in every community! We love the natural beauty of the park -both the dog and ourselves get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Keep up the good work. We've really enjoyed bringing our new puppy there to play and learn how to swim. Nice park. The park is a very important part of our lives. Thank you! I love it. My dogs love the dog park at Elm Creek! I would go on trails with my dog outside of the pet off- leash area if more trails were open to dogs. Elm Creek is our dog's favorite place in the whole world. You need to have more advertisements for volunteer work. We really like having the trails mulched. The parking lot could use some gravel. The only comment I have is that I wish the restroom was kept cleaner. I do have a bit of a drive to get there and nothing else is close by. Another suggestion is to have an area for pet related topics where people would have access to information like dog training and other issues, possibly provided by local humane society. How about establishing permanent agility structures, catwalks, disjointed, bridges, high jump, broad jump 2m -3m walls, crawl, fence, etc? I would pay higher user fees if these structures could be in place. Establish in mowed grassy area. Maintenance through fees or volunteer users. General Comments (continued) Fantasy request: Cement pads for picnic tables and playground equipment for dogs. Had purse stolen and window broken when first started using park. Need a small dog park. Open second location within Elm Creek. Park makes more money on this but have the smallest amount of room I love it!! Add agility equipment, like a dog playground. It would be useful to have a separate, adjacent, fenced area for small dogs. It appears that most, or all of the dog attacks have been large dogs ganging up on tiny ones. Concern about safety of my small dog, (20 lbs.) among so many large dogs. Please improve the Crow -Hassan area. Mow more often; mosquito control is badly needed. Woodchips in areas and picnic tables. Allow off -leash dogs on both side of the road at Crow -Hassan. You allow horses on both sides. 70 General Comments (continued) The ROMP organization has several brochures that might be helpful to have on hand at the off -leash area. Topics include: Dog Park 10I :Practical Tips for New Users to Off Leash Areas, Dogs and kids: Safety at the dog park and at home, and Why dogs do what they do: Understanding Dog Behavior at the Dog Park. See www.dogromp.org [In regard to the safety question], I only feel "safe" for my pets because of other aggressive dogs or "weird" behavior. If possible, a double gate at entrance would be great to prevent dog confrontations and eases access/ exit at entrance. Thanks for doing this survey. SEVENOAKS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION DOG PARK FEASILBILTY STUDY IS IT ALL GOING TO THE DOGS? INTRODUCTION Today we are spending more and more on our pets. The family dog has become a certified member of the family and at times the #1 child. As of 2005, 39% of homes owed a dog, which I'm sure today has steadily increased. Dog ownership is becoming more and more common as the baby boomers are increasing in age and looking for companions, kids wants friends to play with, and singles are looking for someone to come home to. Presently, there are over 74.8 Million dog owners in the U.S., which vary across socio-economic backgrounds. The pet industry has noticed this increasing trend in dog ownership and in the money and time people are spending with their beloved companions. Pet spending has gone from 17 Billion in 1994 to 35.9 Billion as of 2005. That number is 60% larger than the toy industry! Overall, people want to make sure their pets are as comfortable as they are. Since 2001 Anne Arundel County has constructed 5 dog parks two of which have dog beaches. The county began to build these parks in response to an increase of dogs in their parks and people requesting an area to let their dogs' off -leash in the parks. Since then Anne Arundel County has had less than 10 incidents with none resulting in legal filings against the county. None of these parks are in close proximity to our community. On average a Seven Oaks homeowner has to drive 20 minutes (plus or wonderful traffic) to 9et to the closest oft -leash area. As our community grow with the influx of people (e.g. BRAC, ect) we will see more dog owners with the need to have local recreational options for their dogs. Access to a dog park facility close to home is the safest, most effective way for owners to exercise and socialize their dogs. Many people choose dog friendly communities over less expensive communities without the amenities that suit their dogs' needs. Our closest neighborhood community, Piney Orchard, already has a plan to build a dog park next to their ice rink. We believe that a dog park in our community will help to lure people to our community to stay. RESEARCH SOURCES Several counties were contacted by telephone in order to complete this study. These include Ocean City, Anne Arundel, Howard County, and Santa Barbara County (CA). John Marshall, Director of Parks and Recreation, Anne Arundel County was interviewed in person as well. The intemet also proved an invaluable resource. Particularly valuable websites included: http://www.thebark.com/communft-v/advocM-dogl2arks.htmi htta://www.asnca.org htta://www.dogparkusa.ora/manual.htm I ordered the book as a reference guide LIABILITY ISSUES As stated previously the Anne Arundel County has only had 1 serious incident in the 7 years that it has had its dog parks up and running and it did not result in a legal suit against the county. Si na e • Signage designating the rules and responsibility of the owner will be clearly posted as entering both the small and large dog areas. Waste Removal • Rules should specify that dog owners are responsible to clean up after their pet and will have their access revoked if repeatedly reported that they are not doing so. Insurance • Our current insurance carrier has confirmed that we WILL be covered with the addition of a dog park in our community at no additional charge to our current plan. Our dog park would be covered under the same terms as our other facilities. Legal • Our community lawyer has stated that there is no more liability to having a dog park as it is to have a pool, tot lot, or fitness center. All of which Seven Oaks have great use. • We will also require homeowners to sign an annual release form stating they have read and understand the rules, responsibilities and risks associated with entering our dog park. WE NEED IT! Seven Oaks currently has 2,306 homes and over 900 apartment units, for a total of 3,206 homes. In keeping with the national statistics 39% of these homes probably own a dog. That is 1,250 homes with at least one dog with no place to run and play. This is a large part of our community that we can reach out to and provide an amenity worth staying for. SITE ©ESIGWAMENTIES Fencing: The dog area will be fully fenced with a galvanized steel fence 7 Y2 ft high in order to avoid dogs or people from jumping the fence for access. The fence will be buried 6 inches to avoid digging. Double -Gated Entrance: In order to prevent other dogs from escaping when entering or exiting, a double -gated entrance would be installed. Surfacing: Standard grass surface is the most cost-effective and durable. Our maintenance crew currently maintains and cuts the grass in the ball field area and would continue to do so with the dog park present. Benches: Two concrete benches per area. Concrete benches will all maximum durability and minimum maintenance. I will stay in place and withstand any chewing or scratching. Waste: One Dogipot waste station per area with bags. This will encourage people to pick up after their pets or a large trash bin should be provided in each area. Rules & Responsibilities Signage: A sign will be posted at each gate explaining the rules of the dog park. Shelter: A few trees can be planted (can be done at a later date) to provide shade for the people and their pets on hat days. Key Card System: A key card system can provide entrance during our hours of operation to those who have purchased a card. The card will only work for those who are current with their HOA fees and their annual dog park fee. It would also allow Seven Oaks to monitor how was in the dog park at a certain time if a situation should occur. Another option would be a cipher lock that had a 4 -digit code each person would be able to punch in to gain access. POSSIBLE LOCATION A portion of the ball field can be used without taking up the whole ball field area. This area is currently frequented by dogs and their owners. The dog park would be 100x100 ft which would only take up a small section of the field and it can be placed on either side. Item Fencing Benches (Concrete) Dogipot Pet Waste Station Signage Options Key Card System Cipher locks Shade Trees Incoming Revenue COST ESTIMATE Quantity Cost Total 1 $13,105.00 $13,105.00 4 $453.95 $1,815.80 2 $198.95 $397.90 4 $50.00 $200.00 Total Basic Dog Park $15,518.70 1 $15,000.00 $15,000.00 2 $1,097.50 $2,195.00 4 $200.00 $800.00 As part of the dog park plan I am suggesting we charge a $50 annual maintenance fee for use of the dog park. As previously mention the pet industry is large and booming. Dog lovers would be more than willing to pay a small fee each year for access to our facility. This fee will help to offset and the cost of building the park and keeping it clean. If we obtain 50% usage of the 1250 passible dog owning homes in the community that gives us 625 users at $50 each annually that will bring in $31,258.50. The dog park will pay for itself in less than a year! PROCESSES & PROCEDURES/RULES & REGULATIONS All park users will be required to following the following processes in order to gain access to the Seven Oaks Dog Park Facility. • Be current on their Seven Oaks HOA dues or be a current resident of one of our Apartments • Have up to date rabies and shot record from a veterinarian. • Fill out and sign the "paw pass" application. • Sign the liability release form • Sign the rules and regulations form • Pay the $50 annual maintenance fee Please see attached forms for more information. 2008 SEYENOAKS COMMUNITY DOG PARK "PA NT-PASS"ACCESS CARD INFORMATION & APLICATION FORM Application Requirements: Completion or the application form with the required vaccination information listed. All dogs are required to have a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian. Additionally, each applicant will be required to have read the "Rules & Regulations" and then sign the "Acceptance of Risk & Release of Liability Waiver Form". "Paw -Pass" Access Cards: The access cards will allow you to gain entry to the dog park during the scheduled hours of operation. The access pass issued will allow unlimited usage of the SevenOaks Community Dog Park located in Odenton, MD from 8 AM to dusk, seven (7) days a week, weather & conditions permitting. Please note that cards are non -transferable between owners. Usage Fees: The following fees for the acquisition of an access card. All revenue generated from the "Paw -Pass" fee will be utilized for park improvements and general site maintenance and operating expenses. 0 2008 Seven Oaks Community Resident Annual Access Fee - $50.00 Payment: Payments shall only be in the form of a check or money order made Payable to the Seven Oaks Community. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED. All fees shall be Non - Refundable. Applications & Filing for Pass: Applications and Passes may be obtained from the Seven Oaks Management Office Monday -Friday (with the exception of legal municipal holidays) from 9:00 am — 4:00 pm. SEVENOAKS COMMUNITYDOG PARK 2008 ACCESS CARD "PA W PASS" APPLICATION FORM Assigned Access Card # 1/01/08 —12/31/08 ($50.00 SevenOaks Resident Pass (CIRCLE ONE ABOVE) Name of Owner: Local Address: City; State: Zip Code: Telephone #: Cell Phone #: E-mail: _ Permanent Address: City; State: Zip Code: Telephone #: Cell Phone #; E-mail: Dog # 1 Name of Dog: Color(s): Sex: _ License #: Rabies #: Municipality that the License was issued from: Breed: Weight: lbs. Spayed/Neutered: Age: Exp. Dater l Exp. Date: Dog # 2 (If Applicable) Name of Dog:Breed: Color(s): —_ Sex: Spayed/Neutered:. License #: Exp. Date: Rabies #: Exp. Date: Municipality that the License was issued from: (FOR OFFICE USE ONLY) AUTHORIZED GATE ACCESS Gates # 1, 2 & 3 Gates #2&3 Small Dogs: <25 Ibs. + Dog Run Weight: lbs. Age: FEE PAID: $ DATE ISSUED: / / CHECK #: INITIALS: Large Dogs: >25 lbs. + Dog Run ACCEMANCE OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER FORM Acceptance of Risk & Release of Liability Waiver: Acceptance of the terms and conditions of this release and adherence to the established Sevenoaks Community Dog Park Rules & Regulations are conditions of the "Paw -Pass" approval, retention, and renewal. Passes are non -transferable between owners and may be revoked for non-compliance as may be required by the Sevenoaks. I do hereby acknowledge and accept that I have voluntarily applied to participate and utilize, with my dog(s), the Sevenoaks Community Dog Park located in the Community of Seven Oaks. I fully understand and acknowledge that unleashing my dog and being physically present at the dog park area involves risks of injury to me, any individual accompanying me, other persons, my dog(s) and other dog(s), including but not limited to, risks resulting from aggressive dogs, unpredictable behavior and lack of proper training. I further understand and assume that despite the efforts of both the Sevenoaks Community to ensure owners have complied, there is a risk that not all dogs present in the dog park are licensed and vaccinated for rabies as may be required, by which could result in injury to a person or a dog. Additional risks include, but are not limited to: dog fights; dog bites; theft or unlawful capture; escape over and under the fences; vegetation or standing water that may be unhealthy or poisonous if consumed; burrs or seeds that may become lodged in the dog's coat, feet, eyes, nose, or ears; mosquitoes; spiders; ticks; chiggers; fleas and other insects; and wildlife typically found in a park, such as foxes; deer; raccoons; opossums; muskrats; field mice; turtles, etc... It is further my understanding that usage of the dog park is self-directed and shall not be directly supervised by an agent or employee of the Sevenoaks Community. Additionally, I accept and acknowledge that I assume any and all risks associated with the usage of the dog park, including fixtures and equipment, in an unsupervised and self-directed manner. By accepting the prescribed terms and conditions and signing this release, I do hereby agree to indemnify and save harmless the Sevenoaks Community, its agents, officers, and employees and assigns from and against all loss, cost, damages, expense and liability resulting from my use of the dog park, including death, sickness, injury, and disease to any person or dog, or destruction to property, real or personal, arising directly from my use of the dog park. I do hereby acknowledge that I have carefully read this release of liability, and fully understand, agree with, and accept the terms and conditions that have been outlined above and in the attached literature. Further, I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed a copy of the Dog Park Rules & Regulations for the dog park's use and agree to abide by said rules as set forth. I accept and acknowledge personal responsibility and liability for any injury or damage caused as a result of the wrongful or aggressive behavior of my dog, whether the loss occurs as a result of biting, jumping, scratching, digging, charging or any other behavior. I do hereby waive any and all rights that I may have to institute legal proceedings to recover cost of any kind. I have carefully read this release of liability, and fully understand, agree with, and accept its terms and conditions as outlined. I hereby do certify that 1 am over the age of 21 years, sober and of sound mind. I have received and reviewed a copy of the Dog Park Rules & Regulations for the dog park's use and agree to abide by these rules as listed. Further, I understand that all fees paid are non-refundable and that my "Paw -Pass" access card may be revoked by the City for misuse of the Park or repeated aggression on the part of any one of the dogs under my direct ownership or supervision. Print Name: Signature: Date: ! /08 Sevenoaks Community Park 2008 RULES & REGULATIONS FOR PARK USAGE PARK HOURS OF OPERATION: 8 AM — DUSK, WEATHER & CONDITIONS PERMITTING TO INSURE SAFE & GOOD TIMES FOR ALL, PLEASE STRICTLY OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING RULES & REGULATIONS: PLEASE, UTILIZE THE DOG PARK IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER AT ALL TIMES! ALL DOGS UTILIZING THE PARK MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE CITY, PRIOR TO USE. IF VIOLATORS ARE FOUND, YOUR PRIVILEGES MAY BE REVOKED & YOU COULD BE SUBJECT TO FINE. PLEASE NOTE THAT PASSES ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE BETWEEN OWNERS. THE OWNER OF ANY DOG ASSUMES ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES SUFFERED BY ANYONE WHO IS BITTEN OR INJURED BY YOUR DOG WHILE UTILIZING THE PARK, OR ANY DOG THAT YOU HAVE ALLOWED INTO THE PARK WITH YOUR PASS. REMOVE LEASHES ONLY IN THE DESIGNATED `UNLEASH AREA.' DOGS MUST BE SUPERVISED BY PERSONS EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OR OLDER AT ALL TIMES. NO UNATTENDED DOGS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARK AT ANY TIME - ABANDONING ANIMALS IS PROHIBITED BY LAW. NO MORE THAN TWO (2) DOGS PER PERSON ARE PERMITTED AT ONE TIME IN THE PARK. ACCOMPANY & MONITOR YOUR DOGS CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES - ALWAYS HAVE A LEASH AVAILABLE & READY FOR USE AS MAY BE REQUIRED. NO CHILDREN, UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARK, UNLESS THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF AND YOUR DOGS - SCOOP BAGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PARK. AGGRESSIVE DOGS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE PARK — REPORTED CASES WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF PARK PRIVILEGES. DOGS THAT ARE IN HEAT OR THAT ARE SICK ARE PROHIBITED IN THE PARK. PLEASE, CLOSELY MONITOR UNNEUTERED DOGS AT ALL TIMES! ALL DOGS MUST BE LICENSED & PROPERLY IMMUNIZED. THE USE OF HEARTWORM & TICK PREVENTION PRODUCTS IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. PUPPIES OVER SIX (6) MONTHS OF AGE MUST HAVE FULL IMMUNIZATIONS TO UTILIZE THE PARK. PUPPIES UNDER SIX (6) MONTHS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE PARK. NO PRONG (PINCH), CHOKE OR SPIKED COLLARS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARK. PLEASE DISCOURAGE YOUR DOGS FROM DIGGING ANY HOLES. PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE PARK SAFE FOR OTHERS' USE. NO SMOKING, ALCOHOL, FOOD OR GLASS CONTAINERS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARK. PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THIS FACILITY FOR TRAINING PURPOSES WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE CITY DOG PARK ETIQUETTE FOR DOG OWNERS A VISITORS Once you and your dog get to the dog park, it's tempting to just stand back and watch all the activity. But everybody will have a much more rewarding time, if you observe some basic rules. Dog parks aren't a right, they're a privilege — please don't let bad behavior ruin things for everyone else who utilizes the Park, both now and in the future. • Always keep your eye on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly. Remember that you are responsible for your dog's actions! • Never leave your dog unattended. Always be aware of what is going on in the Park. • Always clean up after your dog. "Pooper Scooper" bags have been provided please utilize them as may be required. This is the primary reason that dog parks get complaints nationwide, so please pay close attention to your dog and properly pick up their waste before leaving the facility. • Please make sure your dog is current on all immunizations (Rabies) and has a valid dog license. • Don't bring dogs younger than six (6) months old to the dog park. They have not had all of the necessary inoculations that allow them to play safety with other animals in the Park. • Don't bring a female dog in season into the Park. Spayed/neutered animals are recommended. • Don't bring more than two (2) dogs at a time to the Park. More than two (2) will subject the Park to overuse and you will have a more difficult time trying to monitor your dogs as they play throughout the Park. • Keep your dog on -leash until you get to the designated off -leash areas. This is not just respectful to other park users, it's much safer for you and your dog. • If your dog becomes unruly or plays to roughly, please leash him/her and leave the Park immediately, until such time that your dog is back under control and has settled down. • If you must bring children eighteen (18) years or younger, please be sure to supervise them closely. They are not permitted to run around the Park unsupervised by an adult. • Please do not smoke or eat while in the Park. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting treats to visiting dogs and local wildlife and insects. • Bringing unregistered dogs to the Park is strictly prohibited and may subject you to fine. • Please remember that if you permit an unregistered dog to enter the Park with your pass, you have now accepted full responsibility and liability for the dog's actions. Violators of this policy may be subject to fine and risk the loss of Park privileges. • A maximum of three (3) dogs are permitted in the Dog Run area at one time. 07-06-2098 1 i : i iAk FM LONG' FENCE July 8, 2008 fishers Porter Kathie Dail Seven Oaks Community Association Bluewato Blvd NOW, MD 21113 Re: Dog Park Odenton. MD Dear KaaNef Ashera: T•960 1`.002/004 F-035 P.O. Box 3697 Crofton, MD 21114.3697 Annap./Salt. (410) 793-0600 Wash. (301) 261.3444 Other Atom 1.800.296 -LONG Fox: (301) 261-0643 www.longlance.com I=g Fence Company proposes to furnish labor and materials to Install new chain link fencing for the above referenced project. Guide specifications for all materials used arc to be in accordance with Federal SpecifieWons RRF —191. The scope of work and detailed specifications is as follows: Furnish and install approximately 524 linear feet of 8' high chain link fence. Specification of fence is as follows: • Chain Link Fabric: 2" mesh x 9 gauge galvanized steel, trenched 6" below grade • Terminal Posts: 3" OD SS -40 steel • Terminal Post Footers: 12" diameter by 36" deep concrete footers • Line Posts: 2 l2" OD SS -40 steel • Line Post Footers: 10" diameter by 30" deep concrete footers • Tension Wire: 7 gauge galvanized site] at die top and bottom of fence • Terminal Post Bracing: 15B" OD galvanized steel brace rail with truss rod and turnbuckle furnish and install (4) 8' high x 4' wide single swing gate. The specification of tare gate Is 4$ follows: • Gate Posts: 3" OD SS -40 steel • Gate Post Footers: I2" diameter by 36" deep cor>crctc footers • Gate Frame: 15/911 OD SS -40 steel • Gate Fabric. 2" mesh x 9 gauge galvanized steel • Gare Accessories: Industrial offset hinges and latch The total price of this is to be $13,105.04 ara4tial for ercgwana Furnish and install (2) 4 button programmable Cipher locks_ Specification of material is as follows: • Keyed entry with 4 button programmable numbered tock and knob with handle • Strike plate and security plate • Installation must be performed with the fabrication of ;aces The tot31 price of this is to be $2,91800 irrNal fur acc9once Note: Pmposal is valid 21 days for the purpose ofaoeeptance. Projects whose construction start date will be delayed for mote than 60 days from the date of acceptance should be computed with an inflation hoor of 2 545Y• of the selling price per quarter. 07-08-2008 11:17AM FR* T -KI P_003AU F-035 P.O. Box 3697 Crofton, MD 21114-3697 k 71q mi Annap.IBatf. (41 0) 793-0600 Wask (301) 261.3444 Other Areas 1 -8W -296 -LUNG F= (301) 261-0643 www.longFence.com Aw kiq your approval of onr proposal. Please contact me at your earliest convenience if you have any questions Sincerely, Edgar Rauch Project Manager 8t+)rr ta;rrovicte cvq�ixeerbr� txrttrol pofmfbr ekvwim hgriaorrtaf and verttraf al qurrent dmYw wattm gf prgFwy brays, access w wank armchurtxg rrstaatim of jbrtstted ww* rs se &nr, on-site &vo-1 area.* .r dh core *dfin mrttbrg t/ --& iarw&vo gf eradirgra aai wdkirs ar Riau thm cert xw ktr ltd lhrosr� thr kcal aae ratd m wbe are m be nwW O &OaK 3dkr b hrld hwmtast gid ride ,w*d 4VdW clan- readfsrg f— danwgcs to exkkff� mitkb:a 7W Wank writ be ptrfwmed in cgm# orrrx with bxkmy statim& and Varmntrcd 0100 dbefects w mawwit axd wonbnatstxp for om ytstsr. This ooniraat ewbwaa the omm wWtrmwm,iV bowom the pante t. Thur ane xa wrhd agreeowo or repmmnto#aw in com vection d "Ith..Esrknate goad far 21 titan Aq altetr & m fivo the above *t gfxa iom or *$deaed gwwiliu motubw add dowl mm it ex" to dw cswdrtsct. ,All Morrio& .shaft nmakr dm Frgperry of drr Srlkr mud the eoxt w is Fail hr fid 1f khow is a« pard in a=rAmm wuh this ttgta nm7K ps thwer gpvet to oft coo of co6cam btclading c wt cases add rraaax kk atto nq Iiia pots 196% taicrrst of do wrpoid batar#cr pu amrrtlt. Cost gf pumit is xa inchdbd in the prkx. L1,naesrr is resparssibk, j� tt3"' dettasir at Gare Qfwdrr; lt3"t pgpnent at t1sM of asobflaatian ardll3"rpaymettregoatt cmnptrrirxr. CUSTOMER. SIGNATURE PURCHASE GIRDER PRINTIiD NAME DATE 0910m OT -08-1Q08 11:1?AM FRt- • T•969 P.0041004 F•035 N , too I too , L LONG FENCE COMPANY, INC. 1114 MD ROUTE 3 NORTH C AOF rON, MARYLAND 21114 41x7930600 - ORAMfN 8'f J 1 SCALE: NOW I PAGE: Fwm • 3w I P2&0&kW 26 ZANAM 12:llV2PM I IP17-0alMd 17 22522 11:44:54 AM Three Rivers Park District RecTrac Page: 1 Run Date: 02/06/09 Run Time: 1:53P POS BOTTOM LINE REPORT User: MR3 100003 Dog Permits AC 01-P-DOG-ANNUALDog Permit Annual 1 56.26 0.00 56.26 56.26 0.00 0.00 100003 Dog Permits AC 01 -P -PET -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 1 9.38 0.00 9.38 4.69 0.00 4.69 110101 Dog Permits PS 25 -P -DOG DAILY Daily Dog Permit PS 107 501.83 0.00 501.83 0.00 0.00 501.83 200800 Dog Permits FP 15-P-DOG-ANNUALDog Permit Annual 1 28.13 0.00 28.13 0.00 0.00 28.13 200800 Dog Permits FP 15-P-DOG-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 1 23.44 0.00 23.44 0.00 0.00 23.44 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 20 93.80 0.00 93.80 0.00 0.00 93.80 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -P -PET -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 16 75.04 0.00 75.04 0.00 0.00 75.04 243200 Dog Permits EC 13 -DB PET ANN E Annual Dog w Exchg 0 23.44 0.00 23.44 23.44 0.00 0.00 243200 Dog Permits EC 13 -DB PET ANN. Drop Box Pet Annual 5 168.94 0.00 168.94 28.17 0.00 140.77 243200 Dog Permits EC 13 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 2184 11,672.11 0.00 11,672.11 778.54 0.00 10,893.57 243200 Dog Permits EC 13 -DB PETS 2ND Pet Ann 2nd Pass 1- 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.07 0.00 14.07- 250003 Dog Permits HP 18 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 4 140.65 0.00 140.65 28.13 0.00 112.52 250003 Dog Permits HP 18-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 1 23.44 0.00 23.44 0.00 0.00 23.44 250003 Dog Permits HP 18 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 1 14.07 0.00 14.07 0.00 0.00 14.07 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 48 1,406.62 0.00 1,406.62 84.39 0.00 1,322.23 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11 -P -PET -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 2 9.38 0.00 9.38 0.00 0.00 9.38 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 13 304.72 0.00 304.72 0.00 0.00 304.72 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 4 70.33 0.00 70.33 14.06 0.00 56.27 340003 Dog Permits LP 19 -P -DOG -2ND Dog Permit 2nd 3 42.24 0.00 42.24 0.00 0.00 42.24 340003 Dog Permits LP 19-P-DOG-ANNUALDog Permit Annual 85 2,450.79 0.00 2,450.79 56.34 0.00 2,394.45 340003 Dog Permits LP 19 -P -DOG -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 2 9.40 0.00 9.40 0.00 0.00 9.40 340003 Dog Permits LP 19-P-DOG-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 50 1,220.44 0.00 1,220.44 46.94 0.00 1,173.50 403700 Dog Permits CP 31 -DB PET ANNUA Drop Box Pet Annual 13 450.72 0.00 450.72 84.51 0.00 366.21 403700 Dog Permits CP 31 -DB -PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 1017 4,777.53 0.00 4,777.53 0.00 0.00 4,777.53 410006 Dog Permits BP 29 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 1 28.13 0.00 28.13 0.00 0.00 28.13 430500 Dog Permits CH 28 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 416 1,974.49 0.00 1,974.49 23.45 0.00 1,951.04 430500 Dog Permits CH 28 -P -DOG -DAILY Daily Dog Permit 22 126.63 0.00 126.63 23.45 0.00 103.18 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -DB PET ANNUA Drop Box Pet Annual 6 253.53 0.00 253.53 84.51 0.00 169.02 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 1761 8,269.51 0.00 8,269.51 0.00 0.00 8,269.51 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 186 5,312.30 20.00 5,332.30 112.68 0.00 5,219.62 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -P -PET -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 28 332.99 0.00 332.99 201.67 0.00 131.32 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 48 1,150.03 0.00 1,150.03 23.47 0.00 1,126.56 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 37 520.96 0.00 520.96 0.00 0.00 520.96 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07-PP-DOG-PERMIAnnual Dog Permit 49 1,380.33 0.00 1,380.33 0.00 0.00 1,380.33 862800 Dog Permit -Lk Reb 27 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 196 919.24 0.00 919.24 0.00 0.00 919.24 TOTAL QUANTITY SOLD FOR RANGE SELECTED: TOTAL FEES CHARGED FOR TRANSACTIONS: TOTAL DISCOUNT APPLIED AGAINST FEES: NET AMOUNT STILL DUE: TOTAL AMOUNT REFUNDED: TOTAL AMOUNT PAID FOR ALL FEES LESS DISCOUNT (+): TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS POS INCOME (+): TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS POS EXPENSES (-): NET INCOME/EXPENSE FOR RANGE SELECTED (=): SELECTION CRITERIA: 6,328 43,840.84 20.00 40.00- 1,688.77 43,860.84 0.00 0.00 42,172.07 Three Rivers Park District Run Date: 02/06/09 Run Time: 1:59P RecTrac POS BOTTOM LINE REPORT Sales Date Range: 01/01/2007 Thru 12/31/2007 Inc/Exp Date Range: 01/01/2009 Thru 12/31/2009 Individual Selections: 302500,675900,110101,340003,250003,200800,243200,... Item Range: Thru 777777777777777 Ticket Range: Thru 7777777777 Tran Code Wildcard: Item Wildcard: Ticket Wildcard: I Page: 2 User: MR3 + Three Rivers Park District RecTrac Page: 1 Run Date: 02/06/09 Run Time: 1:40P POS BOTTOM LINE REPORT User: MR3 TOTAL QUANTITY SOLD FOR RANGE SELECTED: TOTAL FEES CHARGED FOR TRANSACTIONS: TOTAL DISCOUNT APPLIED AGAINST FEES: NET AMOUNT STILL DUE: TOTAL AMOUNT REFUNDED: TOTAL AMOUNT PAID FOR ALL FEES LESS DISCOUNT (+): TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS POS INCOME (+): TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS POS EXPENSES (-): 7,973 52,075.75 23.55 9.24- 553.44 52,061.44 0.00 0.00 NET INCOME/EXPENSE FOR RANGE SELECTED (=): 51,508.00 100003 Dog Permits AC 01-P-DOG-ANNUALDog Permit Annual 2 56.20 0.00 56.20 0.00 0.00 56.20 100003 Dog Permits AC 01-P-DOG-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 0 23.44 0.00 23.44 23.44 0.00 0.00 110101 Dog Permits PS 25 -P -DOG DAILY Daily Dog Permit PS 52 243.67 0.00 243.67 0.00 0.00 243.67 200800 Dog Permits FP 15 -P -DOG -2ND Dog Permit 2nd 1 14.07 0.00 14.07 0.00 0.00 14.07 200800 Dog Permits FP 15-P-DOG-ANNUALDog Permit Annual 14 393.52 0.00 393.52 0.00 0.00 393.52 200800 Dog Permits FP 15-P-DOG-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 2 46.82 0.00 46.82 0.00 0.00 46.82 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 978 4,727.04 0.00 4,727.04 145.39 0.00 4,581.65 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -DB -PET ANNUAAnnual Dog Permit 42 1,264.71 0.00 1,264.71 84.27 0.00 1,180.44 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 3 84.39 0.00 84.39 0.00 0.00 84.39 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -P -PET -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 55 257.40 0.00 257.40 0.00 0.00 257.40 230800 Dog Permits BL 26-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 2 46.76 0.00 46.76 0.00 0.00 46.76 230800 Dog Permits BL 26 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 1 14.03 0.00 14.03 0.00 0.00 14.03 243200 Dog Permits EC 13 -DB PET ANN. Drop Box Pet Annual 9 253.11 0.00 253.11 0.00 0.00 253.11 243200 Dog Permits EC 13 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 2120 9,933.20 0.00 9,933.20 0.00 0.00 9,933.20 243200 Dog Permits EC 13-PP-DOG-PERMIAnnual Dog Permit 1 28.07 0.00 28.07 0.00 0.00 28.07 250003 Dog Permits HP 18 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 15 421.41 0.00 421.41 0.00 0.00 421.41 250003 Dog Permits HP 18-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 3 70.26 0.00 70.26 0.00 0.00 70.26 250003 Dog Permits HP 18 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 1 14.03 0.00 14.03 0.00 0.00 14.03 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11 -P-PET-ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 16 477.85 0.00 477.85 28.07 0.00 449.78 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11 -P -PET -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 2 14.07 0.00 14.07 4.69 0.00 9.38 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 6 140.52 0.00 140.52 0.00 0.00 140.52 302500 Dog Permits -ENC 11 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 2 28.10 0.00 28.10 0.00 0.00 28.10 340003 Dog Permits LP 19 -P -DOG -2ND Dog Permit 2nd 11 154.88 0.00 154.88 0.00 0.00 154.88 340003 Dog Permits LP 19-P-DOG-ANNUALDog Permit Annual 115 3,267.72 0.00 3,267.72 28.17 0.00 3,239.55 340003 Dog Permits LP 19 -P -DOG -DAILY Dog Permit Daily 2 9.40 0.00 9.40 0.00 0.00 9.40 340003 Dog Permits LP 19-P-DOG-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 36 891.86 0.00 891.86 46.94 0.00 844.92 403700 Dog Permits CP 31 -DB PET ANNUA Drop Box Pet Annual 3 84.51 0.00 84.51 0.00 0.00 84.51 403700 Dog Permits CP 31 -DB -PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 1171 5,503.70 0.00 5,503.70 0.00 0.00 5,503.70 410006 Dog Permits BP 29 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 1 28.13 0.00 28.13 0.00 0.00 28.13 430500 Dog Permits CH 28 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 565 2,670.34 0.00 2,670.34 23.45 0.00 2,646.89 430500 Dog Permits CH 28 -P -DOG -DAILY Daily Dog Permit 44 206.01 0.00 206.01 0.00 0.00 206.01 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -DB PET ANNUA Drop Box Pet Annual 6 169.02 0.00 169.02 0.00 0.00 169.02 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 2031 9,432.90 0.00 9,432.90 0.00 0.00 9,432.90 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -DB PETS 2ND Pet Ann 2nd Pass 2 28.10 0.00 28.10 0.00 0.00 28.10 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -P -PET -ANNUAL Dog Permit Annual 252 7,258.62 23.55 7,244.31 169.02 0.00 7,075.29 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07-P-PET-XCHG Dog Permit w/Xchang 83 1,948.01 0.00 1,948.01 0.00 0.00 1,948.01 675900 Dog Permits -Cleary 07 -P -PETS -2ND Dog 2nd Pass $15 35 492.80 0.00 492.80 0.00 0.00 492.80 862800 Dog Permit -Lk Reb 27 -DB PET ANNUA Drop Box Pet Annual 1 28.13 0.00 28.13 0.00 0.00 28.13 862800 Dog Permit -Lk Reb 27 -DB PET DAILY Drop Box Pet Daily 288 1,348.95 0.00 1,348.95 0.00 0.00 1,348.95 TOTAL QUANTITY SOLD FOR RANGE SELECTED: TOTAL FEES CHARGED FOR TRANSACTIONS: TOTAL DISCOUNT APPLIED AGAINST FEES: NET AMOUNT STILL DUE: TOTAL AMOUNT REFUNDED: TOTAL AMOUNT PAID FOR ALL FEES LESS DISCOUNT (+): TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS POS INCOME (+): TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS POS EXPENSES (-): 7,973 52,075.75 23.55 9.24- 553.44 52,061.44 0.00 0.00 NET INCOME/EXPENSE FOR RANGE SELECTED (=): 51,508.00 Three Rivers Park District RecTrac Page,: 2 Run Date: 02/06/09 POS BOTTOM LINE REPORT Run Time: 1:52P User: MR3 TC, 5 ;. �, a �� _,Dsc,� ,tion�:lte .>Descfi t�z�n ,ourtee„sDisc M.: alcRefur�s�Ais�et: SELECTION CRITERIA: Sales Date Range: 01/01/2008 Thru 12/31/2008 Inc/Exp Date Range: 01/01/2009 Thru 12/31/2009 Individual Selections: 302500,675900,110101,340003,250003,200800,243200,... Item Range: Thru 777777777777777 Ticket Range: Thru 7777777777 Tran Code Wildcard: Item Wildcard: Ticket Wildcard: