Salina, KS - The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting saw several dog owners raise concerns about the maintenance and future of Barkley Park, the city's designated dog park. The meeting, attended by Director of Parks & Recreation Jeff Hammond, Deputy Director Brett Lamer, Parks Superintendent Dennis Arnold, and Recreation Superintendent Travis Scheele, included a citizen forum where residents were given the opportunity to speak.
Rosemary Mai was the first to address the Board, mentioning a prior meeting she had with Parks & Recreation staff to discuss weeding, bagworms, and overall maintenance at Barkley Park. While she found the meeting productive, she noted that there were still unresolved issues that needed attention.
Lyric, another dog owner, spoke next, expressing her appreciation for the resources provided by the Parks & Recreation Department. She proposed that Barkley Park be promoted as a "Destination Park," highlighting its role as a social hub for dog owners and visitors from various states. Lyric emphasized the park's potential as an attraction for travelers and as a focal point for the local dog community.
Linda, another concerned resident, pointed out safety issues at the park, such as exposed tree roots and a drop-off along the concrete, which she believes could pose a liability risk for the city. She noted that many of the dog owners present at the meeting had met each other at Barkley Park, underscoring the park's importance to the community.
Winnie, the final speaker, echoed the concerns raised by others and added her own observations, including the presence of bagworms in the trees and the need for varied terrain and wind blocks during the winter. She also requested additional amenities such as shade structures, a bathroom, and a second enclosure for larger dogs.
Following the citizens' comments, Ann Zimmerman, a Parks & Recreation Advisory Board member, requested that responses to the concerns be provided at the next Board meeting. Dennis Wahlgren, another Board member, acknowledged the validity of the concerns and supported the idea of enhancing Barkley Park as a destination dog park. He emphasized that maintaining and improving the current park should be a priority over constructing a new one, provided the budget allows.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board will revisit these concerns in their next meeting as they consider potential improvements to Barkley Park.