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Keller Residents to Make Case for Dog Park, Recreational Facilities

Posted on: Thursday, 8 June 2006, 06:00 CDT

By Jessica Deleon, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas

Jun. 8--KELLER -- Deborah Dills loved going to dog parks when she lived in California. She would like the same thing for Keller.

"It was a great way for dogs to interact with other dogs," she said.

Dills plans to make her case to the Keller Parks and Recreation Board tonight. She's not the only resident who would like to see new recreational facilities in the city. In the past year, residents have requested space for tennis courts, adult softball and disc golf.

The board won't make any decisions tonight. But the dog park could be considered during the upcoming review of the city's parks and open-space master plan.

During the 10-month review, a consultant will ask residents what they would like to see in the city using phone surveys, focus groups, one-on-one interviews and a meeting with board and City Council members, said Dona Roth Kinney, parks and recreation director.

When a similar survey was conducted five years ago, residents most requested a recreation center and swimming pool.

The Keller Pointe, a center that includes aquatic facilities, will celebrate its first anniversary this month.

The city does have vacant land for more development, although it cannot accommodate all requests, Kinney said.

And, she added, "It all comes down to budget."

Money for any projects would likely come from a half-cent sales tax devoted to parks and recreation or from park development fees, which are paid by residential developers.

The Pointe, which cost $15 million to build, was funded by certificates of obligation that are being repaid by the half-cent sales tax.

The dog park advocates, who have collected about 500 signatures, would like to see 2 acres or more of fenced space in which big and little dogs would mix.

Dog parks are becoming popular in Tarrant County. Arlington and North Richland Hills are building parks. Fort Worth and Southlake have parks, but Keller dog owners said those parks are too far away.

Robb Williamson, owner of Robb Williamson Shoe And Boot Repair, said that if Keller had its own park, he would be able to visit daily instead of once a week.

Like the dog owners, those who have requested public tennis courts said they have to travel to other cities to play.

The Keller Alliance Tennis Charter uses the Keller High School courts, but the lighting is poor, members say, and scheduling conflicts arise during the school year.

Members, who made a presentation to the parks board in April, envision a tennis center with 16 courts, restrooms, lockers and a pro shop.

Elaine James, the organization's treasurer, said private clubs would be too expensive for most people.

"We would like to have something that is available for everyone -- maybe on a fee basis, but something that is low cost, very reasonable," she said.

This report includes material from Star-Telegram archives.

IN THE KNOW

If you go

Keller Parks and Recreation Board meeting, 7 tonight, Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Parkway

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Jessica DeLeon, 817-685-3932 jdeleon@star-telegram.com

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Copyright (c) 2006, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas)

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