New dog park for Foster City

The city regularly receives positive feedback about the dog park and its synthetic turf but, partly due to the age of the turf and lack of infill, dog walkers have complained it sometimes smells strongly of urine. The park also appears to be prone to puddles after it rains.

Parks Manager Frank Fanara said that will soon change.

“What’s currently there is older technology — first generation synthetic turf — and what we’re putting in now is a more specifically designed pet product,” he said. “It’s a shorter pile height and the infill installed helps with odor.”

The new turf is called TigerTurf and Fanara said it’s “not too much more expensive” than what’s currently there. According to the report, it’s heat and frost resistant and will drain up to 30 inches of rain per square yard per hour “if the base material allows.”

“Drainage throughout the whole park should be improved significantly,” Fanara said.

For infill, a product called envirofill will be installed. It’s a naturally occurring sand that reduces the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, and as a result, odors, according to the report. 

This will be the second time the turf has been changed since the park was constructed, Fanara said. The new surface will last about 10 years.

The project also entails an extra $27,450 in furnishings, including new benches and tables, new fabric for the shade structure plus a paint job. Fanara said the plan is to “jazz up the colors” with a red and blue theme, and decorative dog silhouettes will adorn the fences. 

“It will still have the same layout, but we’re trying to make what’s there better,” he said. “It’ll be a brighter and more cheerful place.”

The city currently irrigates the turf three times per week and power washes it twice per month. It appears that many washes will no longer be necessary; Mayor Sam Hindi said saving water was part of the goal of the project.

Other surface options, including natural grass and decomposed granite, were rejected by the council and residents alike because they require too much maintenance, among other reasons.

“We have a first-class dog park and we’d like to keep it that way,” said resident Norm Kirby. “We’re all pleased that the dog park will be repaired and upgraded and we’re all in agreement that the artificial turf is a great product — the dogs love it, it’s easy to clean up, it’s sanitary and odor free.”

Fanara said the dog park will be closed for about three weeks while the improvements are installed, which he hopes will occur mid-September.

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

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