City Panel to Review Dog Park Proposal

City officials will decide Monday whether a proposed should take a step forward or heel.

The project, which could cost as much as $850,000, would be built south of James G. Gilleran Park, on the west side of Felipe Road. But first, the Mission Viejo Planning and Transportation Commission must declare the park would have no significant environmental effects.

According to a staff report, no problems are foreseen. Traffic and noise would be minimal, and potential odor issues from pet waste would be controlled by daily emptying of trash receptacles and a weekly poop pickup service, the report said.

The park would include three dog exercise areas:

• a 1.4-acre fenced area for large dogs
• a 0.6-acre fenced area for small dogs.
• a 0.1-acre area for owners who want their dogs to exercise on their own

The project would also include parking for 42 cars, a walking trail around the park, shaded bench seating, three drinking fountains, and split-rail and chain-link fencing. 

The eastern half of the proposed dog park, which is about 2.71 acres, is currently located on county property; the rest is in Mission Viejo. The county portion would be annexed into Mission Viejo if the project is approved.

A dog park has been the subject of on-and-off discussion by the City Council since about 2003, according to a city staff report.

The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. in City Council chambers at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 949-470-3053. 

Click here to read the commission meeting agenda.