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Off-leash dog zone reopened

3 min read
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Dogs can now run free again at Fairview Park’s dog zone.

South Fayette commissioners reinstated the off-leash zone during their July 19 meeting about 10 months after they revoked that component at the dog park last September, following a dog-on-dog attack.

The new off-leash dog zone features several changes to the park and the permit application process, which Recreation Director Paula Simmons thinks will make Fairview Park safer.

“Even though there weren’t a lot of extreme incidents, it seemed like the dogs took over the park. The people weren’t following the rules, (and they) weren’t aware of what the designated areas were,” Simmons said. “It will be safe because people will be aware of the rules more.”

One of the main safety measures, Simmons said, is limiting the dogs off leash to only the permitted zone. Even though the park had an off-leash zone in the past, Simmons said the rule wasn’t followed or enforced as well as it will be now.

“We’re trying to contain the off leash dogs to that area, where before people were using all Fairview Park to let their dogs off. It wasn’t allowed, but it was too hard for us to control and maintain, so that will be safer.”

Dog owners will also have to carry a leash with them, even in the off-leash zone, just in case they have to leash their dog. The permit requires owners to leash their dog “at the first sign of uncertain or aggressive behavior.”

All dogs must have a collar, while owners must clean up after their dogs and carry their lanyard permit at all times.

Simmons said following the incident last September, a group of community members formed a committee to review the off-leash dog zone with the township’s Parks and Recreation Board.

“They did research on other dog areas and how other townships managed parks like this,” Simmons said. “They were the ones who brought the ideas of the new rules, policies and procedures to the Parks and Recreation Board.”

Andrea Iglar, community development director, said the dog park is popular in the community.

“There is a contingent of citizens that really enjoy the dog park,” Iglar said. “It was really a grassroots effort for them to come together and come up with ways that we could reopen the parks so they could enjoy it again.”

Hours of the off-leash dog zone are sunrise to sunset, the same as Fairview Park.

Residents can purchase annual permits for a $50 per-person fee at the township building during business hours or from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 1. Nonresidents may also purchase a permit, but for a fee of $100.

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