• Columbia Grove LLC has proposed several improvements to an existing "unofficial" off-leash dog park located on the easternmost end of the City's Water Station #4 (Blandford) property near the intersection of E. 5th Street and Blandford Drive. 
• Improvements include additional fencing to provide separate areas for both large and small dog breeds, enhancements to the existing perimeter fencing, an enhanced gated entrance, one or more benches and an upgraded pet waste station. 
• Use of the property as an off-leash dog park is strictly on an interim basis until such a time as when the site is needed for expansion or improvement of the water station assets. 

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The easternmost portion of the City's Water Station #4 (Blandford) property, located at the intersection of E. 5th Street and Blandford Drive, has been used by local residents as an unofficial off-leash dog park for approximately the past twenty years. The property had always been separately fenced off but was opened up with a gate to provide access for a water station improvement project. After that project was completed, the gate remained and local residents began using the area to exercise their dogs. The City allowed that use to continue on an unofficial basis with the understanding that interim use was conditioned on responsible behavior by those using the site. This included picking up and properly disposing of dog waste, not misusing the property or allowing for nuisance conditions to be created. In addition, it was made clear that use was only interim and would be discontinued when the water utility needed to use its property for expanded water treatment facilities and/or for replacement well sites. In 2015, the City entered into an agreement with the Vancouver Watershed Alliance (VWA) for the placement of a pet waste station dispenser at the property to be maintained by the VWA. The VWA subsequently worked with the Evergreen Shores Neighborhood Association to provide for the ongoing upkeep of the dispenser. 

Columbia Grove LLC (aka Killian Pacific) is developing property located just west of the Water Station #4 property and would like to make some improvements to the easternmost parcel currently being used for off-leash activities to improve the aesthetics and use of the site on an interim basis until such time the water utility needs to use its property for utility purposes. The improvements include providing additional fencing to create separate areas for both large and small dog breeds, improvements to the gated entrance to the site, placement of one or more park benches within the site, and an upgrade to the existing pet waste station. They are also proposing the installation of a banner along the existing perimeter fence that will feature pictures of a variety of dog breeds. A sign will also be installed that outlines the standard rules and expectations for site users. The terms of placement of these improvements as well as their long term maintenance are set forth in the attached Dog Park Agreement. The cost of the improvements are being borne by Columbia Grove LLC. No City funds are being used or are contemplated (State law also prohibits the use of Water Utility funds for non-utility purposes).

Use of the easternmost portion of Water Station #4 property as an off-leash dog park is strictly interim. As the needs for the property as a City Water Utility asset evolve, it may become necessary to expand use of the property for water-related purposes, including placement of additional wells, water treatment facilities and/or associated infrastructure. At that point, it would likely become necessary to discontinue the interim use of the site as an off-leash dog park. This provision is also set forth in the agreement. The City also plans to install an informational sign at the facility that informs users of this provision.  

1. Provides improvements to an existing amenity that is enjoyed by many in the surrounding neighborhood.
2. Enhances the aesthetics of the City's property.