Goal #4. Create an inspiring, safe and pleasant experience in our parks and facilities
Share Goal #4. Create an inspiring, safe and pleasant experience in our parks and facilities on FacebookShare Goal #4. Create an inspiring, safe and pleasant experience in our parks and facilities on TwitterShare Goal #4. Create an inspiring, safe and pleasant experience in our parks and facilities on LinkedinEmail Goal #4. Create an inspiring, safe and pleasant experience in our parks and facilities link
The Imagine Lakewood! statistically valid survey revealed that Lakewood residents love their parks, trails and open spaces and feel safe using them. However, some challenges exist that hinder enjoyment of these facilities for many residents. According to the survey:
89% of residents think dog waste is a problem in Lakewood parks.
75% of residents feel that conflicts between pedestrians and bicyclists is a problem on Lakewood trails.
71% of residents think dogs off-leash is a problem in Lakewood's parks, trails and open spaces.
66% of residents said that there are too few dog parks in Lakewood.
About 40% of residents think that there is not enough awareness and/or enforcement of park and open space rules.
As dogs off leash, dog waste and dog parks featured prominently in the survey responses, please make sure you check out the Dogs in Lakewood Fact Sheet.
To achieve this goal we will:
a. Improve on-leash compliance across the park system.
b. Decrease the amount of dog waste left in park spaces.
c. Continue to advance the City of Lakewood Zero Waste goals in community parks, facilities and at events.
d. Refine the department's role in addressing safety and emergency preparedness situations.
e. Address overcrowding issues at Bear Creek Lake Park.
f. Enliven and enhance parks and facilities with public artwork and interpretive information.
g. Evaluate use of the City's trails and park path system including, connectivity, user conflicts, design, safety and activity levels.
The Imagine Lakewood! statistically valid survey revealed that Lakewood residents love their parks, trails and open spaces and feel safe using them. However, some challenges exist that hinder enjoyment of these facilities for many residents. According to the survey:
89% of residents think dog waste is a problem in Lakewood parks.
75% of residents feel that conflicts between pedestrians and bicyclists is a problem on Lakewood trails.
71% of residents think dogs off-leash is a problem in Lakewood's parks, trails and open spaces.
66% of residents said that there are too few dog parks in Lakewood.
About 40% of residents think that there is not enough awareness and/or enforcement of park and open space rules.
As dogs off leash, dog waste and dog parks featured prominently in the survey responses, please make sure you check out the Dogs in Lakewood Fact Sheet.
To achieve this goal we will:
a. Improve on-leash compliance across the park system.
b. Decrease the amount of dog waste left in park spaces.
c. Continue to advance the City of Lakewood Zero Waste goals in community parks, facilities and at events.
d. Refine the department's role in addressing safety and emergency preparedness situations.
e. Address overcrowding issues at Bear Creek Lake Park.
f. Enliven and enhance parks and facilities with public artwork and interpretive information.
g. Evaluate use of the City's trails and park path system including, connectivity, user conflicts, design, safety and activity levels.
Share Solving dogs off leash and dog waste problems on FacebookShare Solving dogs off leash and dog waste problems on TwitterShare Solving dogs off leash and dog waste problems on LinkedinEmail Solving dogs off leash and dog waste problems link
Dogs off leash and dog waste in Lakewood parks, trails and open spaces are problems according to the Imagine Lakewood! survey results. Review the facts below on dogs off leash and dog waste, then post your idea to solve these problems. Your neighbors can show support for your solution.
Dogs off Leash
Lakewood’s municipal code provides that a person can be fined a maximum of $2,650 and spend a year in jail for their animal running at large.
Dogs not leashed where leash laws exist often impact the enjoyment of other users of parks, trails and open spaces.
Leashed dogs are less likely to run away or be injured. Dogs off leash have been bitten by rattle snakes or other creatures.
Dogs off leash are more likely to deter wildlife from visiting natural areas than dogs on leash.
Owners of dogs off leash are less likely to pick up their dog’s waste.
Dog Waste
Lakewood’s municipal code provides that a person can be fined a maximum of $2,650 and spend a year in jail for not picking up dog waste.
The average dog produces ½ to ¾ pound of fecal matter each day. That means 100 dogs can produce more than 500 pounds of waste per week.
Dog waste does not break down like wild animal waste.
Dog waste often contains harmful organisms such as E. coli, giardia, salmonella, roundworms, hookworms and cryptosporidium.
Dog waste left on the ground makes its way into waterways through storm water systems and pollutes our water with E. coli and other harmful bacteria that makes people, wildlife and other dogs sick.
Dog waste left on the ground ruins the park, trail and open space experience for other visitors.