Crocker Avenue Proposal — Dog Park and Temporary Skate/Bike Area
Summary
A private donor has earmarked money for a fenced dog park, and the board has been weighing Arnett, Rip Van Winkle, Hayward, and possibly Caledonia. Nearly every speaker opposed a fence in Rip Van Winkle's forest, citing trails, wildlife, parking, liability, and maintenance. The board dropped Rip Van Winkle and will look at Caledonia and other options before recommending anything to council.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
A private donor covers the build so far, but neighbors worry about long-term maintenance costs and the expensive environmental studies a project would require.
Dog owners — especially older or less mobile residents who can't walk miles of trails — would gain an enclosed, accessible play space.
Neighbors of whichever site is chosen face noise, parking pressure, and potential loss of open space and trails; Rip Van Winkle's regular users spoke against any change.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Recreation Board — May 28, 2026
A private donor has earmarked money for a fenced dog park, and the board has been weighing Arnett, Rip Van Winkle, Hayward, and possibly Caledonia. Nearly every speaker opposed a fence in Rip Van Winkle's forest, citing trails, wildlife, parking, liability, and maintenance. The board dropped Rip Van Winkle and will look at Caledonia and other options before recommending anything to council.
Recreation Board — February 26, 2026
Board member Jay Tully proposed closing the southern half of Crocker Avenue with barricades as a no-cost experiment for skateboarding and biking, plus a small dog park near the Hayward Lumber yard. Speakers raised concerns about proximity to homes, a wildlife corridor, emergency access, and lack of parking, water, and restrooms. The board created a subcommittee to explore the idea and other sites.
Related development
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