RE_ Happy Dogs _ Responsible Owner Meetups at North Palo Park_RedactedO: 303-413-7249
rhodesa@bouldercolorado.gov
Parks and Recreation
3198 N. Broadway | Boulder, CO 80304
bouldercolorado.gov--
From: Yates, Bob <YatesB@bouldercolorado.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2023 7:17 AM
To:
Cc:
Rhodes, Alison
<RhodesA@bouldercolorado.gov>
Subject: Re: Happy Dogs / Responsible Owner Meetups at North Palo Park
:
Thank you for your email. I’m copying the city’s Parks Director, Ali Rhodes, who can share with you
and your neighbors information about dogs off-leash in the city’s more than 60 park properties.
Best,
Bob
On Aug 29, 2023, at 1:30 PM, wrote:
External Sender
Hi Bob,
I’ve written to you in the past about this concern and some events have occurred that are
forcing us to bring it to the forefront again.
A few months ago, on May 22nd a group of us that meet with our dogs at North Palo Park
setup a meeting with the City Park Rangers. During this private session, we realized the
park rangers have a very broad scope of responsibility, which includes enforcing the
homeless encampments that are so prevalent around our beautiful city parks and public
areas. Anyway, we respectfully explained how we’re responsible dog owners, we meet
twice daily at North Palo Park, we talked about how we’ve made improvements to the park,
we get kudos from nearby neighbors for it being a great socialization opportunity for not
only the people of our neighborhood but the dogs too. In fact, I mentioned to my Vet at the
Boulder Humane Society what we do each day and she said it was the very best thing we
could be doing for our dogs!! At the end of the meeting with the City Rangers, we had a
better understanding of what the park rangers are focused on and they had a better
understanding of our requests and needs as well. We felt we left that meeting with
somewhat of an understanding by the City and felt we were working together towards an
arrangement that worked for all sides. We’ve not heard back from the city until Sunday, Aug
27th when 2 City Park Rangers came in full force threatening to ticket the owners with off-
leash dogs at North Palo Park. They told us first offense, $100, 2nd $500 and 3rd they
could take our dogs away!!
We as a group are wondering what we can do? The so-called off leash dog parks in the
area aren’t a solution. Most people that take their dogs there are NOT responsible owners
and the dogs tend to be vicious, in our experience. What we’ve created here at North Palo
Park is a very cohesive, inclusive group of responsible dog owners with well socialized,
friendly and happy dogs.
What if we were to ask that North Palo Park be designated Voice and Sight Approved for off
leash dogs for a few hours each day? Say something like 8-10 am and 4-6 pm? Then,
with properly posted signage, those that don’t want to encounter off leash dogs would know
they can choose to go any other time during the day other than those 2 windows of time;
still gives folks plenty of flexibility. We’re not asking for fences, we’re not asking for water or
poop bags - we take care of all of this for our group already. I think all we would need and
want is a couple of signs posted to let others know - during these hours, this park is off-
leash for dogs approved in the Voice & Sight Tag Program.
What this group has realized is this is a fabulous park. There are trees. There is an
enclosed and newly paved tennis court. There are a few neighbors that live on the
perimeter and are all in favor of our group, we’ve spoken to them. One even told me they
wanted to get a dog just to join our group. Others DO join our group. The park is not used
but rarely. Which is why we decided to start meeting there! We walk over, we meet/
socialize and walk home. For those of us that work, we can stop in for 15-20 mins and
others may stick around for 45 mins. But, if we had just a couple of windows per day where
this was permitted, that’s all we’re asking for.
What do we need to do as a group to move forward with this proposal? Do we need to
create a petition and secure a certain number of signatures? Attend a Council Meeting?
Please let us know because we want to abide, but, we also want the City to help us out
here.
We realize it’s an election year and you’re running for Mayor and have a lot bigger issues to
be concerned about. But, this is one small pocket in North Boulder where we’re hoping to
get some guidance on what can be done. You’re welcome to join us one day, see for
yourself, meet some the neighbors and heck, win over a few extra votes! Thank you for
your time and any suggestions you’re able to give us.
Much Appreciated,
Dog parents of Lewis, Coco, Winnie, Blu, Yeti, Sunny, Stuart, Scout, Ramona, Bodhi,
Macie, Beau, Cookie and Merlin