Laurelhurst Neighborhood Association (LNA) Adopted Position on Dogs-in-the-Park Off-Leash Hours

The following position statement, based on the LNA 2001 "dogs in the parks committee" and the 10/10/2002 neighborhood association meeting on the subject, was discussed and adopted at the 11/26/2002 LNA general membership meeting.

"The LNA conditionally supports a one-year trial of off-leash hours in Laurelhurst Park, based on the following conditions:

• In order not to concentrate dog use in certain parks, off-leash hours should only be tried if they are implemented at all parks in the SEUL area, with the possible exception of those with special wildlife concerns (e.g. Oaks Bottom and the top of Mt. Tabor Park), those adjacent to schools, and those with unfenced children's playgrounds.
• Off-leash hours should be tried for 2 hours after dawn and 2 hours before dusk.
• After one year's trial, the program should be evaluated by the Parks Department in terms of dog-people conflicts, neighborhood opinions, and environmental impacts to parks.
• Off-leash hours should only be implemented if the County is able to fund additional enforcement officers."