Board will consider fees and key entry for Costa Mesa dog park

Costa Mesa parks commissioners are considering fees as well as an electronic key entry system to track use of the popular Bark Park.

During a special Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Thursday, the panel will be examining the current state of the 2-acre dog park on Arlington Drive, which city staff note is becoming increasingly busier.

“There is a need to explore innovative solutions to control access and require proper licensing and vaccinations for participants,” according to city staff. “In an emergency situation, such as a dog bite or owner-related altercation, there is currently no system in place to identify the involved parties.”

City officials say the restricted-access system with key will “allow for tracking of all park users and will require all patrons to first license and vaccinate their dog(s) before gaining access to the facility. In the event of an emergency or dog bite, staff will have access to participant information for those in the park at the specific date and time.”

Bark Park fees for both Costa Mesa residents and nonresidents have not been established and would need to be studied before recommendations are issued, according to city staff.

The commission will also consider new rules and regulations for the Bark Park, including:

•Dogs in the small-dog area must be less than 30 pounds;

•Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the Bark Park, instead of 4 months;

•Each Bark Park patron, including dog sitters, walkers and trainers, can bring in no more than three dogs at a time;

•Owners must have proof of vaccination, dog licenses and spaying/neutering before their dogs can enter the park;

•Dog-sitters, walkers and trainers must have a city business license to operate in the park.

If the commission agrees with the key entry system and any fees, its recommendation would go to the City Council, which would have the final say.

The commission will have the final word on the proposed rules and regulations, however.

Thursday’s meeting begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.