LTC 073-2008 Relocation of the MBPD Canine Training Facilitym MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 073-2008
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Matti H. Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: February 28, 2008
SUBJECT: Relocation of the Miami Beach Police Department Canine Training Facility
This letter to the Commission will serve to inform the Mayor and City Commission of the City
of Miami Beach of the pending relocation of the Miami Beach Police Department's (MBPD)
Canine Training Facility to Stillwater Park, 8440 Hawthorne Avenue. Since the early 1990's
the Canine Training Facility has been located at Pine Tree Park, 4499 Pine Tree Drive.
Because of the increased visibility and perceived crime deterrent effect to the proposed new
site, there has been strong neighborhood support including that of four North District
homeowners associations. These area residents of Stillwater Park feel that the new training
facility location will have a positive impact in their neighborhood.
As a result of this recommendation to relocate the canine facility to Stillwater Park, MBPD
Canine Sergeant Henry Doce conducted a surrey of both parks and determined that the
new site is better suited for canine training than Pine Tree Park. Stillwater Park has
available parking, a small building with rest rooms, running potable water, electrical outlets;
and is no longer being used for recreational purposes. This building will provide protection
from inclement weather and would be an ideal respite from the heat and rain for both the
handler and dogs. Other than the parking, Pine Tree Park has no other amenities to support
canine training. Contingent upon the relocation to Stillwater Park, the Parks and Recreation
Department has offered to install a chain link fence and lighting for night training. It should
be noted that the Parks and Recreation Department Director, Kevin Smith expressed no
opposition to the Police Department's decision to change training sites.
Further impacting the decision to relocate the Canine Training Facility is that some residents
in the area of Pine Tree Park have expressed the desire to use the current canine training
area to enhance the existing dog park. As part of the consideration to move, it is anticipated
the removal of the Canine Training Facility from the Pine Tree Park will have no negative
effects on the immediate area. Having the benefit of Sergeant Doce's survey and the
overwhelming North District community support, the administration believes the Stillwater
Park l~~oc~~ation will better serve the interests of the City and its residents.
JMG:CN:~AG:tr
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