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*4° Eugene Public Works Parks & Open Space Memorandum Date: June 20, 2013 To: Mayor Piercy and City Council From: Neil Bjorklund, Parks and Open Space Planning Manager 541- 682 -4909 Subject: Proposed Administrative Rule to Implement New Provisions for In -Water Dog Training Activities at Golden Gardens Ponds For more than 40 years, a small group of community members has conducted specialized dog training activities at what is now Golden Gardens Park. For the most part, the participants are training their dogs in the ponds to prepare them for competitive events in which their dogs retrieve decoys and perform other tasks analogous to what trained dogs do in bird hunting. No actual hunting activities are allowed on the site. Prior to active City management of the site, this group of dog trainers contributed significantly to the appearance and safety of the environment around the ponds. In recent years, as the pond banks have been restored, and as a bridge and trails have been added to the park and streets have been improved nearby, more and more community members are recreating in Golden Gardens Park. Increased use of the park by general park users has changed the way we manage the legacy dog training use. Some recent conflicts and issues related to a small number of dog trainers prompted the Parks and Open Space Division to draft some new rules to ensure that in -water dog training activities are complying with City codes and policies, for the safety and well -being of all park users, including dogs. For a number of years, the City has required dog- trainers to carry city- issued permits when they are conducting in -water dog training activities in Golden Gardens Park. The new administrative rule will add some additional requirements to the existing permitting system. I have discussed these changes with the leaders of the two local dog training clubs whose members make up most of the dog trainers at Golden Gardens Park, and they understood and supported the proposed changes. Under the new administrative rule, in -water dog training participants will be required to: • Apply in writing on an application form provided by the City, • Provide proof of current license(s) for each dog in training, • Provide written proof of current rabies vaccination for each dog in training, and • Sign a statement (on a form provided by the City) that the applicant has read, understands and agrees to the Golden Gardens In -Water Dog Training Permit Terms and Conditions. In addition, the number of permits will be capped at no more than 30 permittees, which recognizes that this program is intended to continue a legacy use, and not to encourage growth of that use. The largest number of permittees in a single year has been 32. The draft administrative rule also incorporates the elements of the previous permitting system that are not being changed, including restrictions on vehicle parking, number of dogs allowed to train per trainer, which ponds are open for this use, and other provisions. City of Eugene • 1820 Roosevelt Blvd. • Eugene, OR 97402 • 541 - 682 -4800 • 541 - 682 -4882 Fax www.eugene - or.gov