Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2022 06 08

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May 11, 2022 Minutes Continued- Mr. Bell Citizen Comment Materials GUIDELINES FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF SUCCESSFUL OFF -LEASH DOG EXERCISE AREAS General Comments There are many perspectives and types of information that need to be taken into consideration when developing and managing off --leash dog parks that are successful in terms of harmony with the surrounding community as well as with the park users. Community support and involvement is integral to this process, especially in promoting a harmonious relationship with the neighbors of the park. Maintenance, along with the proper selection of a location, is essential in the continued success of a park. Indeed, our research, based on a study of 17 off -leash dog parks, profiles maintenance of the park as probably the single most important detenninant of success. Although our research did not show a statistically significant correlation of dog park club involvement and perceived success, the correlation was positive. Managers of parks repeatedly stressed the importance of an active dog park club, and we strongly recommend that these clubs be involved in the planning process, as well as helping to maintain an ongoing relationship with the management of the park. The lines of communication must remain open between the municipality or organization managing the park and the community to promptly address actual or perceived problems, and to profile the benefits that a dog park can bring to the community. Under various headings below, we describe suggested guidelines that should be considered in establishing and managing an off -leash dog park. The specific recommendations are a reflection of conclusions from data analysis of our study of off -leash dog parks, as well as a reflection of repeated comments from interviewed managers and park users. The topics discussed first involve the primary concerns expressed by community officials, namely safety to humans and other dogs, noise generated from a concentration of barking dogs, and sanitation problems from the build-up of feces. As it turns out, these concerns do not represent the issues deserving of the most attention, because problems in these areas appear to be relatively infrequent, at least in the dog parks that we visited. Some community decision -makers and park managers mentioned a concern about possible disturbance of wildlife or native plants. Our study focused mainly on urban parks and disturbance of wildlife in these parks did not appear to be an issue. This topic could be addressed in a study that includes more parks established within natural reserves or nature areas. Finally, in the way of general comments, we strongly encourage communities seriously considering establishing or modifying a dog park to retain a professional consultant knowledgeable in helping to prevent and resolve problems or concerns about off -leash parks.