The Gary B. Jones Dog Park in Tamarac.
By Agrippina Fadel
Residents on Tamarac’s east side have been hounding the city for a dog park, and according to the latest study, one —maybe two —are now a “paw-sibility.”
Representatives from the consulting firms of Miller Legg and GreenPlay prepared and presented the Eastside Feasibility Study at the Sept. 20 workshop, where residents in The Mainlands, Tamarac Lakes, Sabal Palm, Shaker Villiage, and Woodglen could be future recipients of dog parks, fitness areas and more.
During a public survey, citizens expressed the need for a dog park in east Tamarac, said Liudmila Fuentes, Miller Legg Landscape Designer. She added that national trends also predict heavy usage of dog parks, so they scouted different areas where they could be added.
For Sabal Palm Park, off Commercial Blvd, adjacent to the Florida Turnpike, Fuentes presented three plans: a covered playground, multi-purpose courts, a large parking lot, a dog park, and a splash pad.
A community center built inside the park could become a rentable space for the city. Walking trails and centralized fitness areas would provide ample opportunities for active pastimes.
Sabal Palm Park conceptual plans near Central Park.
Property 1, adjacent to Sabal Palm Condos on Rock Island Rd and Commercial Blvd, could be acquired and include a parking lot, walking trail, fitness areas, and dog park.
“This park is going to be created in partnership with Sabal Palm HOA. We are talking about either acquiring the property there or working together with the condominium,” said Fuentes.
Property 1 proposal for the corner of Rock Island Road and Commercial Blvd.
Mainlands Park at the intersection of Monterey Dr and NW 48th Ave has potential space for dog-walkers. It is also in need of a more oversized parking lot, she said.
Mainlands Park conceptual plan.
The concept for Wildlife Preserve near Tamarac Lakes on Prospect Rd includes the rehabilitation of an existing habitat island with a public art bridge, a new fishing pier, kayak launch area, new restrooms, and creating a one-mile trail with a centralized fitness area.
An essential part of the project is creating a separate entrance, so visitors don’t have to go through the Tamarac Lakes community to enter, said Fuentes. Existing shuffleboard courts would be transformed into multi-purpose fields.
In Shaker Village, located at the intersection of The Commons and Meacham Ln, proposals include expanding the playground, creating more parking spots, and adding a trail or a dog park.
Shaker Village and Woodglen conceptual plans.
In Woodglen park, located at the intersection of NW 58th St and Woodlands Blvd, the proposal converts existing tennis courts into multi-purpose courts, adds a walking trail, new restrooms, fitness area, and playground.
According to Michael Kroll, president of Miller Legg, the parks project will positively impact the city and bring a return on the investment because property values of the homes rise with new and improved parks nearby, which means property tax revenue for the city increases as well.
“Having these greats parks close by will positively affect the wellness of the residents, he said, adding the project would create 64 new direct and 114 indirect jobs in construction.
The budget for parks renovation and new structures is within the current capital improvement budget of the city for the next six years.
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