
I hope you are well and finding opportunities to connect with nature and virtually connect with community during this time of sheltering in place.
It’s been a whirlwind since taking over Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area project from previous Project Manager Brett Desmarais. We finalized the construction documents and put the project out to bid in January. Thankfully bids came in on budget and Rec and Park Commission’s Capital Committee recommended a contract with Robert A. Bothman Construction on March 4th. I was planning to announce that construction was starting soon, when COVID 19 public health orders put a pause on many business-as-usual activities.
Thankfully, both the City and Bothman are interested in completing the project before the next rainy season, so the project team has proceeded with some preconstruction planning. With the 4/29/20 public health order allowing construction work to continue while managing sites for enhanced site health and safety, our contractor is poised to mobilize quickly and we will begin construction the week of May 11th.
The GGP Dog Training Area has been closed for many weeks now, to enforce social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19. Dog Play Areas throughout the City remain closed through the end of May. If you are interested in supporting a temporary fenced-in Dog Play Area, to function after the closer order is lifted and until the renovation project is complete, please reach out to the Friends of Golden Gate Park Dog Parks. This Friends group is coordinating with Rec and Parks and fundraising to provide this service to the community.