There is a renewed interest from residents to bring a dog park to Albert Lea, according to Jay Hutchison, Albert Lea Parks and Recreation director.

The dog park could be located on the north side of Front Street just east of the channel between Albert Lea and Fountain lakes, Hutchison said. Other possible locations include Shoff Park, an area east of the Brookside community gardens and near where the Albert Lea Grizzlies play. All potential dog site parcels are owned by the city.

Hutchison said a group is interested in organizing the project, which could be done by next summer.

The last estimate he’s seen on fencing is $8,000 to $10,000 an acre. Hutchison said the park should be at least two to three acres.

A funding source hasn’t been identified yet, but Hutchison said he expects the city to provide the site and any group to pay the cost.

He said he is in support of a dog park in Albert Lea.

“I think it’s a good way of getting people out in our parks and outdoors,” Hutchison said. “It gives pets a place to run and socialize with other dogs and be off-leash.”

He said a dog park isn’t only a social place for a dog, but a social place for people as well.

Express was concerned at Tuesday night’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting about diseases spread at dog parks, but Hutchison said he isn’t aware of it being a major issue at dog parks.

Hutchison said the park would be divided into small dog and large dog areas.

 

Future of summer Ice

The Parks and Recreation Department is contemplating the future of summer ice at Albert Lea City Arena.

“I’m starting to wonder whether we need to have the ice open for the summer for what it is used for,” Hutchison said.

According to Hutchison, the city lost $15,000 to $20,000 from having the ice open this summer. Concern has also been raised about staffing and the utility cost of having the ice rink open in the summer.

Hutchison said there has been a decrease in the use of the ice rink in recent summers because of competition from other rinks in the area.

The ice has to come out next summer because the department has to do maintenance on the ice arena system. The plan is to take the ice out around June 1 and to have it back in by Sept. 1.

He said discussion will take place throughout this year on whether there will be summer ice in 2017.

The ice was used for hockey and figure skating this summer, he said. There are two rinks in City Arena. The main rink isn’t used in the summer.

 

Splash pad

A possible splash pad was also discussed at the meeting. Although board members expressed support, some expressed concern about safety and water use for a possible splash pad.