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PARK PROPOSES TO DOUBLE TRAFFIC
AT DANGEROUS VICTORIA INTERSECTION
Three Rivers Park District has pro-posed the establishment of a 27-acre Dog Park within Carver Park where its only access would be at a dangerous intersec-tion of a residential street with State Highway 5. There is no opportunity for another access to this area.
The proposal also includes the con-struction of a 24-space parking lot to accommodate a projected increase of 100 cars per day.
The Park Drive intersection at High-way 5 is located one mile east of the downtown Victoria traffic light. It is also the only access for the Parkside and Parkview neighborhoods. It is the most dangerous intersection in Victoria, if not in all of Carver County.
Mayor Jerry Bohn pointed out that in 2003, Victoria councilmembers denied a housing project (the Goodman Addition) at Park Drive because it would have meant increased traffic at the already difficult intersection.
At the most recent May 25th city council meeting, Victoria councilmem-bers unanimously passed a resolution asking Three Rivers Park District to look elsewhere within its borders for an area in which to establish a Dog Park,
Mayor Bohn suggested an alternative area in Carver Park where there would not only be safe access, but also existing parking, such as by their ski barn, their camp, their nature center. These areas have access off a county road (#11) instead of a city street.
Tom McDowell of Three Rivers Park District was invited to address council-members on May 11th. Several Victoria residents were in attendance.
"There is an Off Leash Dog Area planned for the eastern edge of Carver Park Reserve," said Mr. McDowell, Director of Program and Facility Services. "We thought we would have had it constructed during 2006 but the project ended up being delayed. Now it's scheduled for 2006, to be completed by July."
He said the Park will be fencing off 27 acres for dogs, and it will be open from sunrise to sunset. "It is fenced with 47-inch woven wire and double gated," he said. "We require people to carry dog pooper scoopers. There will be 24 park-ing spaces. If it is visible from a residen-tial neighborhood, it needs to be relocat-ed."
Stated Councilmember and Parkside resident Kim Roden, "I'm concerned about the number of cars it'll bring in and the safety issues."
Stated Parkside resident Mike Miles, "I'm not against the dog park. I think it's a great idea, but I am concerned about safety and the traffic on Highway 5. What is your usage on average?"
Replied Mr. McDowell, who had informed councilmembers of other dog parks in the Three Rivers Park District, "Up to 100 cars per day."
Resident Sue Chapman expressed concern about location of the dog park and spoke of dog fights at other dog parks and the potential for running with sick dogs.
"The intersection at Highway 5 and Park Drive is one of the most dangerous intersections in Victoria," she continued. "We experience fear at that intersection. We are sitting ducks sitting on Highway 5 waiting to turn left onto Park Drive. It will increase the danger for our residents and children. When dry, a dog park is a dust bowl. When wet, it' a mud hole. Who knows if the dogs have been vaccinated? I've seen dog fights at dog parks. I never will subject my dog to a dog park. It will attract curiosity seekers. Beer bottles and condoms already are found in that little parking area on Park Drive. A dog park would mean the total loss of our neighborhood anonymity. Build it somewhere else away from a residential neighborhood."
In response to a question, Mr. McDowell replied, "I don't believe the Park asks for proof of rabies shots. We've had more frequent concerns about dog attacks. There has been discussion about building areas for small dogs."
One resident, Ruth Parsons, spoke in favor of a dog park. "We have a high energy dog," she said. "We've had posi-tive experiences at the Bloomington dog park. Future maintenance of Park Drive should fall on Three Rivers Park District."
Stated resident Paula Jackels, "I have the most comfort coming into our neigh-borhood. I'm afraid a dog park will in-crease traffic through our neighborhood as well as on Park Drive. We have a lot of stay-at-home moms and kids. I'm also concerned about the hours these parks are open ... The parking area will be secluded and there'll be alcohol and other things not for intended use there. Ninety percent of our dogs are not responsive to voice command. Park Drive is the only en-trance to our neighborhood. We have a unique situation."
"The intersection is frightening," said Mike Miles.
"It sounds like there are already sev-eral nearby parks for dogs," said Paula.
Mayor Bohn said to Mr. McDowell, "Be diligent so it doesn't detract from our neighborhood."
Councilmember Mary Thun stated, "I want to go a bit further than that. I think we need to address some issues here. I'm not comfortable leaving this in the Park's hands. I'd like staff to look at this."
Councilmember Richard Tieden agreed and said, "It seems like quite a lux-ury for dogs. Safety, speed bumps, traffic, that's a lot of concern over dogs. It's already a failed entrance onto Highway 5. This is quite a hassle for dogs. I don't think it's appropriate. And then to bring in a hundred people a day who don't live there. I don't think this is good for us."
Two weeks later, Councilmember Richard Tieden informed people that this issue has been placed on the agenda for the Three Rivers Park Board meeting on Thursday, June 1st, 2006, at 5 p.m. at the Park District Administrative Center.
That Center is located at 3000 Xenium Lane North in Plymouth. Vic-toria residents were encouraged to attend and express their views regarding location of the proposed Dog Park.
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