Effective May 7, 2022, dogs are temporarily banned on interior park trails (see the red shaded area on the attached map). Why is the park doing this? This response is due in large part to a sizable increase of dogs being off leash in the park, as well as dog owners not properly cleaning up after their pet and not properly disposing of pet waste bags. If left behind, the waste can adversely impact local waterways and harm the local environment. Additionally, leaving pet waste bags on trails is littering and forces park staff to pick up these pet waste bags daily.
So where can you go in the park with your dog? Plenty of places! The park tour road as well as a few of the trails near the visitor center will remain accessible for getting to the visitor center as well as crossing over Old Battleground Road. In addition, dogs are still welcome on the City Greenway, as well as the connector trail to Country Park. In addition, you can find the waste bags and trash cans at five locations throughout the park.
Park staff will also be kicking off its new B.A.R.K. Ranger program that day and will be setup at Stop 8 from 1 pm until 4 pm on Saturday May 7. Come and visit us to learn about the principles of the B.A.R.K. Ranger program as well as pick up a new bandana for your furry friend!
We all love the beauty of this park, and we hope you’ll join us in our effort to ensure that this park stays beautiful and pristine for all to enjoy. This ban is meant to be temporary but may become permanent if conditions do not improve. If you have any questions about the policy, please contact park staff.
Original source can be found here.
