6.1. Ensure equitable distribution of off-leash areas throughout the city.
Off-leash dog areas can be a valuable asset to
6.1.1. Negotiate public access, where appropriate, to non-PARD owned or operated off-leash areas. This could include areas operated or managed by neighborhood organizations or private entities.
a parks system. Dog
6.1.2. Implement off-leash areas in all metro parks and some district parks, where feasible.
lovers together, and
6.1.3. Acquire parkland specifically for new off-leash dog areas focusing on areas of the city that lack these facilities.
parks can help build community by bringing dog owners and dog these areas can also help activate parks especially at off-hours since dogs are often
6.2. Refrain from placing off-leash areas in existing neighborhood parks with space constraints. Typically, neighborhood parks are smaller in scale leaving little available space for appropriately sized offleash dog areas.
walked earlier in the
6.3. Create a set of standards for off-leash dog areas. Design considerations should include: complete fencing and a double entry gate, separate designated areas for small and large dogs, water features for dog for cooling, waste management (dog waste bags and trash cans), a drinking fountain for humans that includes a dog bowl component, shade (whether it be trees or a shade cover), seating, and the ability to rotate high-intensity use zones to reduce soil compaction and devegetation. As part of this process, evaluate whether it would be beneficial to establish a new dog-specific park type (i.e., bark park), which would provide a fenced-in social gathering spot with benches, a water station and an agility course where dogs can safely exercise and play with their owners and care-takers.
weather.
morning and later in the evening when other park goers may not be present, even in bad
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6.4. Provide dedicated, well-signed off-leash dog trails in large parks where these trails are buffered from other densely used park areas. The dog owner focus group indicated that off-leash trails were equally if not more valuable than fenced-in play areas because dogs tend to be more relaxed and social with one another when they can move freely. Off-leash dog trails also offer dog owners the opportunity to enjoy a linear experience moving through a natural area while getting their dog some engaging exercise. 6.4.1. Place clear signage on both off-leash dog trails and trails where dogs are required to be on-leash.
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