The Orange County Register Councilman wants higher priority for dog park June 13, 2002 By CHARLES ADAMSON Orange City News The city could open a dog park at Yorba Park this year, but don't expect softball fields and barbecues at the eight-acre facility anytime soon. The entire park upgrade is estimated to cost $1.6 million. Given the need for upgrades in other parks in the city, the Park Planning and Development Commission ranked the project moderate to low on the city's list of priorities. City Councilman Dan Slater asked at the June 6 parks-priority meeting that the Yorba project be moved higher on the city's list of priorities. He wants to spend far less, about $25,000 combined with the $27,000 raised by the Orange Dog Park Association, to put up necessary fencing and open a two-acre bark park where dogs can be let loose of their leashes. It's unclear how all the councilmembers would vote on such a proposal. Councilwoman Carolyn Cavecche has said she would oppose just putting up fences, but has also said something needs to be done with the eyesore Yorba Park, formerly used as softball fields. It has been closed since 1998 because methane gas was coming out of the ground at the former dumpsite. The city has installed wells to control the gas but the ground is still prone to settling. Neighbors oppose any idea of a dog park, fearing more traffic in the already congested area. They complain that the city has failed to follow the proper planning process with the park, something Cavecche -- who joined the council after the process was started -- acknowledged at last week's meeting. Orange Dog Park Association members said they were promised a leash-free park at Yorba by City Council in August 2000. About 25 people showed up at last week's meeting to hear about the dog park, about half neighbors and the other half pro-Yorba Dog Park, many wearing Orange Dog Park Association T-shirts. The complete plan for the park includes two lighted softball fields, new restrooms, a new parking lot, added landscaping, a dog park and a non-dog area with barbecue grills, tot lot and walkways. Environmental impact reports for the site are under county review and should be before council in September. Then, the council may vote on allocating money for the park. -30- Copyright (c)2002 The Orange County Register Copyright (c)2002 myorangecounty.com