MONROE - Monroe officials may change the rules at Forest Prairie Park to prohibit dogs from roaming leash-free.
Forest Prairie, located next to the Monroe Municipal Airport, is the only city park that allows dogs. Dogs are currently allowed to run leash-free but the city is reconsidering that option after receiving a report of concerns from people using the park.
Park Director Paul Klinzing met with the Parks and Recreation Board last week to discuss possibly changing the rules.
"There's been a concern raised that dogs have been not under the owners' control," Klinzing said. "We really would like to continue allowing owners to take their dogs out there for exercise, but we also want to make sure users of the park are safe."
Klinzing said users of the walking trail within Forest Prairie Park reported being startled by a dog while walking through the park. He added that no official plans have been set yet, and the city may choose to keep the park leash-optional.
"We would like to allow dogs," Klinzing said. "We also have to respect all of the people who use the park."
The city will look to other parks departments for examples. Klinzing said he is looking at both Brown County and Dane County rules regarding dog parks. Dane County currently has seven dog parks where owners are allowed to take their canines off-leash. Their rules do require that once a dog leaves the designated area, they must be restrained by a 6-foot static leash. Brown County allows designated off-leash areas for dogs to exercise.
Klinzing said he will put together a proposal including recommendations after analysis of the other counties' rules, which will be evaluated by the Parks and Recreation Board in May.
Forest Prairie, located next to the Monroe Municipal Airport, is the only city park that allows dogs. Dogs are currently allowed to run leash-free but the city is reconsidering that option after receiving a report of concerns from people using the park.
Park Director Paul Klinzing met with the Parks and Recreation Board last week to discuss possibly changing the rules.
"There's been a concern raised that dogs have been not under the owners' control," Klinzing said. "We really would like to continue allowing owners to take their dogs out there for exercise, but we also want to make sure users of the park are safe."
Klinzing said users of the walking trail within Forest Prairie Park reported being startled by a dog while walking through the park. He added that no official plans have been set yet, and the city may choose to keep the park leash-optional.
"We would like to allow dogs," Klinzing said. "We also have to respect all of the people who use the park."
The city will look to other parks departments for examples. Klinzing said he is looking at both Brown County and Dane County rules regarding dog parks. Dane County currently has seven dog parks where owners are allowed to take their canines off-leash. Their rules do require that once a dog leaves the designated area, they must be restrained by a 6-foot static leash. Brown County allows designated off-leash areas for dogs to exercise.
Klinzing said he will put together a proposal including recommendations after analysis of the other counties' rules, which will be evaluated by the Parks and Recreation Board in May.