Kansas City, MO Off-leash Dog Program

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 8/28/07
Source File: http://www.kcmo.org/parks/parks/dogparkguidelines.pdf
Text:
Resolution #28125
Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation
WHEREAS, the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, desiring to offer the
numerous residents with dogs living in our community an opportunity to enjoy public
parks with their dogs off-leash, supports the development of off-leash dog areas to
provide safe places for dogs to exercise, play and socialize.
WHEREAS, Kansas City, Missouri Ordinance 14-33(a) requires dogs to be on leashes in
public areas for the protection of fellow citizens, as well as for the safety of the dogs; and
paragraph (e) of the same ordinance states “Any person permitting or allowing a dog to
run at large within an “off-leash dog area” established on parks under the control and
manage of the board of parks and recreation commissioners, in accordance with all rules
and regulations as may be prescribed by the board of parks and recreation commissioners
for such area, shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.”
WHEREAS, Parks and Recreation’s mission is follows: “To improve the quality of life
by providing recreational, leisure and aesthetic opportunities for all citizens, and by
conserving and enhancing the environment. We will accomplish this mission by
providing quality programming, making the best use of existing resources, developing a
supportive and influential constituency, developing effective collaborations and
partnerships, and acquiring and preserving natural features.”
WHEREAS, providing off-leash areas on park property falls within this mission and we
recognize that off-leash areas provide an opportunity for citizens to socialize and connect
with others with similar interests, enjoy leisure activities, and exercise. Additionally, an
off-leash area provides an opportunity to improve the socialization and health of the dogs.
WHEREAS, we have identified the following site selection factors to be considered when
identifying and assessing a site for a proposed off-leash area.
Space Considerations
* Locate off leash areas in large community and regional parks where appropriate space is available.
* Avoid areas that abut or are in close proximity to neighborhoods and residences.
* Avoid interference with other established uses of the park.
* Locate in “under utilized” park or portion of a park.
* Locate where design that will permit capture of storm water runoff or runoff will go to sanitary sewer system.
* Locate where a buffer zone will exist between the proposed area and existing programs such as tennis courts, ball diamonds, and walking trails; proximity to children’s play areas will be avoided.
* Avoid sites adjacent to an ecologically sensitive area such as a river, wildlife habitat, or on steep slopes.
* Locate where there will be minimal impact upon the total visual character of a park.
* Locate where adequate parking will be available nearby.
WHEREAS, community support is vital to the success of an off-leash area; and we
encourage partnerships to assist Parks and Recreation in the delivery of services to the
community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSIONERS, the following:
Section 1. A permanent program for consideration of off-leash use of selected parks is
hereby established.
Section 2. The program initially includes the existence of one location at Penn Valley
Park and the current development of another at Raytown Road Athletic Field and other
locations will be considered based upon interest, funding available, and space
considerations.
Section 3. The development of, and the continued existence of, an off-leash area may
depend on the on-going and active involvement of an off leash area advocacy group or
stewardship committee that has entered into a formal agreement to assist with the ongoing
care, maintenance, and upkeep of an off leash area.
Section 4. At all off-leash dog areas, signs will be posted listing rules, regulations, and
etiquette that apply to off leash sites.
Section 5. Off leash areas must be carefully located and any proposed location will be
assessed following the space considerations listed above and should then be included in
the masterplan for that park.
Section 6. After the establishment of an off leash area, the Board shall have authority to
temporarily or permanent close, or modify the boundaries for any of the following
reasons: environmental damage; failure of an advocacy group to uphold terms of an
agreement; public health or safety; or serious unanticipated problems affecting other park
users.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be entered into the Official Minutes
of the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners and the Secretary be directed to
furnish a copy of this resolution to the City Clerk.
Category:Animals
Category:City Governments
Category:Kansas City
Category:Missouri
Category:Resolutions