Goal #4. Create an inspiring, safe and pleasant experience in our parks and facilities
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.
Identify Potential Dog Park Sites
About 66% of residents feel that there are too few parks in Lakewood. If you support adding dog parks to the Lakewood park system, review the following criteria of a good dog park and drop a pin in a potential location for a new dog park in Lakewood.
Generally accepted criteria for good dog parks include:
- Minimum size of 5,000 square feet.
- Specific parking close to the dog park gate.
- At least 200 feet from adjacent property.
- Flat land to minimize erosion.
- Does not drain to bodies of water or waterways.
- Dog park surface can be readily maintained to minimize health issues due to soil contamination from dog waste.
