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Listening Session - Parks Rules Pertaining to Dogs
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In June of 2015, the Parks and Recreation Board tackled the mulit-faceted discussion of park rules pertaining to dogs. The discussion addressed concerns regadin the Animal Control Ordinance and dogs off leash in County Parks or athletic fields. In addtion, an Open Forum discussion on "Rules for Dogs in County Parks" was also made available to take public comment.
A July listening session reviewed present Animal Control Ordinance in relation to parks, athletic fields, trails, dog parks, dog training fields and voice and sight control areas. The discussion and Open Forum input indicated that Los Alamos citizens want to be dog friendly and to share County parks, fields and trains pursuant to a common vision as outlined by code.
In August, the Parks and Recreation Board concluded that the public supports remaining a dog friendly community within our existing rules and regulations. Alternatives exist to improve this community vision via education, enforcement and facility improvements. Based on public comment and feedback, five initial recommendations are presented below.
1. New signage to clarify Dog Training Zones, Dog Training Fields and Voice and Sight Control areas as they now exist, including the informational phone number for the Parks Division and the Dispatch phone number for improved customer service.
2. The “No Dogs on Playing Field” signs on Overlook sports fields will be removed and replaced with park entry signage that enforces the leash law message throughout the Overlook Park area.
3. Designation of Dara Jones Soccer Field as a “Dog Training Field” that is scheduled for group events via the Parks Field User meetings will continue. The Westside Pedestrian gate will be removed so that unofficial dog park activities do not occur.
4. Further Los Alamos Dog Obedience Club (LADOC) involvement reflecting the group’s contractual obligations to the County for providing their services of obe...
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