Why? They fear if the pet playground planned for 3.9 acres at 6000 W. New Bingham Highway is done too cheaply it could turn into a well of regret.

West Jordan resident Tony McGuire has been pushing for the park since mid-2005. He now has several concerns over the City Council's lean design - no grass or lighting, no covered structures, insufficient parking and minimal restroom facilities.

"I've been speaking at County and City Council meetings every chance I get," said McGuire, adding that his input was better received at the county than by the city.

The city's minimal design, with an estimated $225,000 price tag, has been submitted for Salt Lake County Council approval.

In May, the county agreed to give West Jordan $400,000 and required the bulk of the money be used for a dog park. Any leftover cash could help fund a skate park or other recreation facility.

"There's no question in my mind that it was the intent of some [City Council] members to have this be a bare-bones park," Councilman Mike Kellermeyer said. "There were two items proposed, one an off-leash dog park, the other a skateboard park and you can't build both at that price."

The council has received numerous communications from dog-park proponents who "would like to see this thing built right," Kellermeyer added.

"There's been a lot of complaining that we're not making the dog park what it needs to be," Councilwoman Melissa Johnson said. "But it's not a done deal. There are a number of possibilities."

The initial design represents the base product, Johnson noted, and includes a list of optional amenities to add as the budget allows.

"It's fiscal conservancy, not a desire to short-change the public," Johnson said. "What we want is the greatest value for our money."

Councilman Rob Bennett sees the lack of lighting as a nonissue. "I don't anticipate it being used after dark," he said.

But McGuire disagreed, noting night falls by 5:30 p.m. during the winter.

In the current design, dog-park users would share parking with the Ron Woods baseball complex.

"Shared parking is part of our concerted effort to be frugal with taxpayer dollars," Bennett said. "I feel that's a wise use of funds."

As bids come in, Bennett hopes for enough savings to add a paved path around the park. He promises the facility will comply with federal accessibility requirements.

"We're not looking to do it on the cheap," Bennett said. "Our City Council has expressed that $400,000 might be excessive for animals who don't care about having a Cadillac dog park."

County Park Planner Angelo Calacino said the county's numbers for a 3.5-acre dog park range from $230,000 to $500,000, depending on what features are included.

"With a high-quality restroom and designated parking lot, our numbers came in between $400,000 and $500,000."

Skate parks - which feature concrete drops, bowls and ramps - average between $300,000 and $500,000, depending on size, he said.

"It's admirable they're trying to provide both facilities," Calacino said. "But the money coming from the county was earmarked to be used 'substantially' for the dog park."

Calacino served on the steering committee for West Jordan's dog park and maintains the City Council's vision differs from his panel's view.

"The City Council is leaning towards something different. They're trying to split the funds down the middle," Calacino said. "I don't think that's the intention of the county."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com

What the $225,000 base bid includes: