After weeks of back and forth discussions and public input, Logan City leaders signed off on a 12-month pilot program that allows dogs off-leash at selected park locations.
“We’ve made a big leap here,” said Council Chairman Jeannie Simmonds. “Hopefully, everyone will go forward and make us proud.”
The City received numerous responses from the public both in favor and against the proposal and eventually selected seven sites for the pilot program.
These sites include:
Jens Johansen Park, 850 East 100 North
Jones Neighborhood Park, 400 West 625 North
Kilowatt Park, 331 South 300 West
Logan Meadows Park, 350 South 600 West
Pioneer Parkway, 165 East Poplar Avenue Ray
Hugie Hydro Park, Northside of US 89 at Canyon Road
Logan Service Center East Lawn Area, 810 West 600 North
It is anticipated the pilot program sites will be operational by April 15th. This will allow time for the equipment needed to be delivered and installed by the city.
David Hecker, a Logan resident and pet owner, expressed his support of the new program.
“I’d like to compliment the people who chose the locations,” he said. “Two of them would be within one very short walking distance, another a longer walking distance of my house. It will really enhance my experience as a dog owner with my ability to recreate and enjoy my time with my pet.”
The pilot program also involves three monitoring periods (spring, summer, and fall) to assist city staff in determining the success of the program and whether the program should become permanent. The monitoring periods will also include public input during the pilot program. The monitoring and public input will be measured against anticipated outcomes:
Reduction of dog waste from parks and trails
Dog waste properly bagged and disposed in provided city trash cans
Dogs have a current license
Dogs shall not harass others
Dogs shall not be unattended
Dogs must be under voice control
Dogs shall not be a nuisance
The city will begin a public awareness campaign to help educate residents and encourage responsible park patronage. The city is also looking for volunteers to help organize, promote, and clean-up the parks before the program takes effect.
The pilot program is projected to conclude on April 15th, 2020. A final report will then be issued to the City Council in May 2020.
Are these parks fenced in?
Logan Meadows is fenced in on two sides (north and south), but open on the south-east and north-west sides. Its a pretty wide park. At either end of the park where its open, they now have a sign posted saying its part of the new Pilot program next to dog bags and a trash can.
Kilowatt Park is an open park on all sides with a creek bed to the west. It tends to be a quieter park, but there are basket ball hoops in the parking lot, so sometimes they’ll be activity.