The city of Durango is exploring the idea of allowing owners to play with their dogs off-leash in two parks.
The city plans to survey the neighborhoods around Fanto and Jenkins Ranch parks to gather opinions next month.
Depending on the feedback from neighbors, city officials may allow a trial period for people to exercise dogs off-leash in those parks, said Cathy Metz, director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Currently, dogs are allowed off-leash only in the dog park at the base of Smelter Mountain. The leash law will continue to be enforced until city officials introduce the pilot program, if they decide to do so.
“We want to take this cautiously,” Metz said.
A letter and instructions to take an online survey about allowing dogs off-leash at these two parks for a trial period will be mailed to the neighbors in April.
The neighbors would be surveyed again after a proposed trial period to gather more feedback, she said.
Fanto Park, next to Park Elementary School, was selected because it is already fenced.
Jenkins Ranch Park is not fenced, but it does have a field of grass away from the playground and tennis courts.
This pilot program has been tried in other cities, and in general, neighbors are more in favor of allowing dogs off-leash after the trial period, Metz said.
If the city moves forward with the program, dogs would be expected to be under control at all times.
“It’s really meant for dogs that have some level of obedience training,” Metz said.
The department is exploring the idea at the requests of some residents.
“What we’re trying to do is be responsive to citizen requests,” she said.
Director of Animal Protection Gary Skiba said he didn’t foresee any particular problems with the program, and he supported involving the neighbors.
“I think (Metz’s) process is great as far as making the decision. ...We’ll be able to handle whatever happens after that,” he said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
