Jefferson County Open Space has updated the rules and safety precautions at its only off-leash dog park.
The popular Elk Meadow Dog Off-Leash Area in Evergreen recently got a new entry gate with the aim of curbing the number of dogs being let off leash before entering the park.
“Several reports of off-leash dogs crossing Stagecoach Boulevard, darting into traffic, near misses and unfortunate injuries prompted staff to create a safer environment and a more defined entry to the off-leash area,” Jeffco Open Space said in a news release.
There is now a defined entry area where visitors can unleash their dogs. Jeffco Open Space has also updated the park’s rules, effective May 1, to stress that dogs must remain leashed at all times when outside the off-leash area.
The rules also limit visitors to three dogs per handler, and handlers must carry one leash per dog at all times. All dogs must be in sight and under voice control at all times, and trespassing onto nearby private property by both dogs and their handlers is strictly prohibited.
The agency also cautions visitors that Stagecoach Boulevard, where the off-leash area is located, is a busy county road and that it is very important to use the crosswalk area in front of the area’s gate.
“Legal parking is extremely limited on evenings and weekends,” reads a message on the county’s website. “Choosing to visit the (dog off-leash area) , compromising safety for you and your pet.”
See a complete list of the area’s regulations at .
The Elk Meadow Dog Off-Leash Area was first designated as a dog-training location in the 1980s. In 2001, area resident Judi Quackenboss led the effort to enclose 1 acre of the park in memory of her son John, according to Jeffco’s website. In 2005, the area was expanded to 5 acres and in 2008, Jeffco Open Space added a parking lot and constructed trails.
The park now covers 107 acres with more than 3 miles of trails and in 2013 it earned an award for project excellence from the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals.
Josie Klemaier: 303-954-2465, jklemaier@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JosieKlemaier
