Robinson characterized most of his new proposed changes as minor, except for one which sets a standard for how much of an area should be set aside for off-leash dog use.
The plan, as approved, will recommend that one acre per 7,500 population be available for off-leash dog runs. Currently, only one acre is set aside for the 16,400 population of Anacortes and 23,000 in what is called the service area, or Fidalgo Island.
Robinson acknowledged that Council member Cynthia Richardson suggested the parks comprehensive plan set a standard. The section on off-leash dog areas also includes the following language:
“The Parks department should complete the off-leash area of Ace of Hearts / Rotary Park and continue to look for other sites that will allow dogs off-leash. Preferably at least one location should have water access.”
“This is a goal. It does not obligate the city to that,” Robinson added.
Council member Nick Petrish suggested setting aside N Avenue Park as an off-leash dog park, but Robinson said the committee working on the plan had rejected that for a number of reasons.
Petrish also suggested stronger language be added to the plan for the city to control non-native plants, such as English Ivy, found along the Tommy Thompson Parkway and on Cap Sante. The Council left the more general language alone which mentions non-native species.
Two Council members said they had reviewed public comments and found that the Parks Comprehensive Plan at least mentioned each subject.
Council member Brian Geer moved to adopt the plan, even though earlier discussion had indicated adoption wait until later. The plan was approved on a 6-0 vote, with Kevin McKeown absent.
The Community Forest Comprehensive Plan, which drew the most comments during the public hearing earlier this month, is scheduled for Council discussion on Oct. 5.