Bend Parks reminder: Keep dogs on leash
Bend Park & Recreation District reminds citizens that dogs must be on-leash in the city limits except in the seven designated off-leash areas owned and managed by the Bend Park & Recreation District.
“Off-leash areas are located throughout the community and provide a variety of opportunities for dogs and people to recreate,” states Jan Taylor, Community Relations Manager.
The district’s park stewards will be out in parks throughout the summer addressing off-leash dogs not in designated areas as well as other activities that may cause harm or are illegal.
“Though we hope that people do the right thing and abide by city and park ordinances, Bend police officers may issue citations for dogs that are inappropriately off-leash,” states Jeff Hagler, BPRD Park Stewardship Manager. First-time citations are $275.
This Saturday, July 26th, from 9:00 to 1:00 pm, park stewards will be in Shevlin Park to encourage people to enjoy the park with dogs on leash. The stewards will provide tips on dog etiquette and offer free clean-up bags to park visitors.
“Shevlin Park is a great place to hike a trail and enjoy nature. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash,” states Hagler.
Other related rules pertaining to dogs in parks forbid aggressive dogs from visiting off-leash parks and require that dog owners dispose of dog feces in appropriate receptacles. “Park use rules exist to keep everyone safe and able to enjoy their day in the park,” states Taylor.
Bend’s Off-leash Areas
Dogs must be on-leash until they enter the designated off-leash area. For a description of Bend’s off-leash areas, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.
1. Big Sky Park, 21690 Neff Rd.
2. Riverbend Park (water access), 799 SW Columbia St.
3. Ponderosa Park, 225 SE 15th St.
4. Awbrey Reservoir, NW 10th and Trenton
5. Pine Nursery Park, 3750 NE Purcell Rd.
6. Overturf Butte Reservoir, Skyliner Summit Loop
7. Hollinshead Park, 1235 NE Jones Rd.
All other district parks and trails, including Shevlin Park and the Deschutes River Trail as it runs through city limits, are not designated as off-leash areas.
