Kids and dogs don't mix.
That's the concern of school trustees who say Coquitlam didn't consult enough with School District 43 on its plan to put the new Glen Park dog run next to Glen elementary school.
But the city of Coquitlam said Glen elementary school administrators and the parent advisory committee were asked to take part in consultation on the park, and a fabric windscreen will be placed on a fence to separate dogs and children.
At Tuesday's board of education meeting, SD secretary treasurer Rick Humphreys raised concerns about parking and the dog park once a $500,000 renovation of Glen Park is completed. As well, he complained of a lack of notice and consultation involving senior managers.
"I think we have a pretty big problem that needs strong dialogue," said Anmore and Belcarra trustee Holly Butterfield, and trustees agreed to meet with Coquitlam council to discuss the matter.
But the city says the school district had plenty of opportunity to comment on park plans.
Kevin Cornes, Coquitlam's manager of facility operations and construction, said parents and teachers will still be able to use the parking lot on Westwood Street, although it's on city land and meant for park users. A parking lot on Pipeline Road will be removed to make way for a plaza, although he said it's rarely used by the school.
As for consultation, he said the school was invited to participate in an advisory group formed to consider future uses for the park and was kept informed via email. The city also conducted open houses, to which the school was invited.
The Glen Park redevelopment will include a new picnic area, playground, off-leash dog zone, path and entrance plaza in the first phase.
dstrandberg@tricitynews.com
