At the Jan. 8 Bee Cave City Council meeting, a representative of the group Friends of Bee Cave Dog Park appealed to officials to relocate the current dog park at 13676 Bee Cave Parkway in Central Park near the Hill Country Galleria to the unused southeast section of Central Park near Lake Hills Montessori, at 3930 S. RR 620.
John Stevens, a Bee Cave resident, gave a presentation outlining why the current park—which is also a water retention pond—is not acceptable for residents and their dogs, and why building a new park is the best solution. The problem, he said, started in 2011 with the drought that killed the grass. It was exacerbated last year by the construction of Bee Cave Parkway and rains that sent runoff into the park.
"A year ago, the dog park was a thriving place," Stevens said. "But water restrictions limit the ability to irrigate the park. When it rained, large amounts of silt washed down into the retention pond. There were perpetually muddy conditions and dirty dogs to transport home. It was no surprise that attendance began to drop off."
The city closed the park in May to make repairs, but Stevens says problems with dried silt and drainage remained once the park was reopened in August. In addition, the group says that since Bee Cave Parkway opened, parking is no longer available next to the dog park, which poses a safety issue with dogs and their owners trying to get to the park.
The new location "would be accessible, environmentally responsible and have separate areas for active and docile dogs," Stevens said. He proposed a new park with shaded areas, water features and a playground with agility equipment. Stevens offered a six-step, systematic approach to building the park:
1. Conduct a preliminary investigation
2. Develop a conceptual plan
3. Develop alternative designs and estimate costs
4. Identify sources of support and secure funding
5. Decide on a final design, obtain bids and sign contracts
6. Build the dog park
Bee Cave City Administrator Frank Salvato thinks relocating the dog park is a good idea.
"We have had a lot of problems with the [water retention pond] pumps because of the silt; it's definitely a problem," Salvato said. "I'm not going to say If we leave the dog park [where it is] there won't be issues. ... There will be future issues." And, Salvato says, the cost of rebuilding the park is another issue. "Can we afford it, and where would it be?" he asked.
Councilman Steve Braasch commended Stevens on a "well thought-out presentation."
"There's a lot of passion in this community for all animals," Braasch said. "I think it's impressive the forethought you've put into this and the love you've shown for your animals."
Mayor Caroline Murphy said the group's timing was perfect because city officials are having a strategic planning session Feb. 4 where they will further discuss the topic of a new dog park.
"We have more than 150 dog owners on our list of supporters now," Stevens said. "We're convinced that if we build it, they will come.
