Strickland Road Park will not have an off-leash dog park. At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Raleigh City Council voted unanimously to eliminate the dog park from the park's proposed master plan.

Other changes made by the council include moving the proposed open space to the west and designating it for youth play, and installing additional pedestrian trails.

The changes to the proposed master plan for Strickland Road Park will be reviewed again by the council's Public Works Committee, which will forward a final recommendation to the full council.

Council members authorized City staff to move forward with the redesign of the park to include the changes they made. As for the proposed dog park, the City will consider placing it on the west side of Leesville Community Park.

The 37-acre Strickland Road Park site is located on Strickland Road between Leesville Road and Ray Road. The park's proposed master plan calls for the preservation of natural areas especially the areas of mature woods and flood plain and to preserve uncommon plant species within the park. The developed areas also may have a 3,500 to 4,000-square-foot neighborhood center, paved and unpaved trails, and picnic shelter.

Approximately 23 acres of land will remain natural and a small pond will be preserved. Park development will be concentrated to the area closest to the road to minimize impervious surface and preserve the existing woods and wildlife habitat. Water quality and stormwater management will be integrated into the park design. Design of the park and the structures will incorporate environmentally responsible practices and materials.