PORT ANGELES – A newly logged area in Lincoln Park would be perfect for a dog park, a pair of dog owners told the city’s parks and recreation advisory commission on Thursday night.
The parks board unanimously endorsed the concept of a fenced area for unleashed dogs, and told the two women that their next stop should be the Port Angeles City Council, before they return to the board with more details.
“This is a very positive step forward, but I would like to see them back,” said Chuck Whidden, parks board member.
Jennifer Holcomb said she understands that the group of Port Angeles dog owners have a tremendous amount of work to do, including financing, but that they wanted to make sure they had support before beginning.
Holcomb and Linda Almaden said that their group includes Kelly Hollern, but that she couldn’t attend.
The dog owners envision a 1.5 acre to 2-acre park with benches, watering stations, waste scooper stations, trash cans and separate sections for small and large dogs, according to information provided to the parks board.
Such a park was opened earlier this year at Carrie Blake Park in Sequim, largely through a citizens’ effort.
Holcomb said a dog park at Lincoln Park – a 147-acre Port Angeles city-owned park at 1900 W. Lauridsen Blvd. – would be ideal, following the removal of 350 trees from the park.
The clearing of 200 of the trees is part of a three-year project initiated by the Port of Port Angeles to remove trees from the approaches to William R. Fairchild International Airport, which is west of the park.
The trees are being removed to comply with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for runway glide slopes.
The city is removing another 150 trees that were deemed diseased or dangerous to create additional recreational space at the park.
The city will sell the trees for an estimated $50,000.
So far, about 250 trees have been cut down.
The park will be closed for five days beginning on Monday for removal of another 100 trees.
