We have had much discussion on DogFriendly.com regarding Ashland Oregon and it’s recent ban on dogs in practically all green space in the city. Also, they have had an aggressive program to cite people whose dogs even set foot in the city parks. The drought for dogs in Ashland is now over and effective immediately dogs are allowed on leash in most parks in the city. They are allowed in all areas of the parks except the children’s playgrounds and ball fields. This is a victory for local residents with dogs as well as visitors and those traveling Interstate 5 with pets. We hope that the city will also make sure dog-free areas are well marked and give tourists warnings before handing out citations. Now, however, it is up to those who use the parks to clean up after their pets. Ashland provides clean up bags in the parks and people should be using them. The city, like most towns, will continue to issue citations for failing to clean up after pets.
For our previous article on Ashland, please see “Let’s Make Ashland Oregon Really Dog-Friendly“. Yesterday Ashland did that. DogFriendly.com, which warned visitors to avoid Ashland due to the aggressive fines and lack of green space open to dogs, has lifted that warning with the change in the city ordinance. This is the link to DogFriendly.com’s Ashland City Guide. The rest of the information on this page is from the Parks Department of Ashland Oregon.
At the May 20 regular meeting of the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, the commission approved allowing leashed dogs in more sections of current “dog-friendly” parks, including grassy areas. Dogs are no longer restricted to paved pathways or six feet adjacent to pathways. Dogs are NOT allowed in playground areas or ball fields in parks with those amenities.
Dog-friendly parks, properties, open spaces and trails available to dogs on leash include:
Burnson Property, 327 Granite Street
Clay Street Park, 491 Clay Street
Cottle Property, 320 Ashland Street
Garden Way Park, 1620 Clark Street
Garfield Park, 40 Garfield Street
Granite Street Property, 255 Granite
Hald-Strawberry Park, 215 Strawberry Lane
Hunter Park, 1699 Homes Avenue
Lawrence Property, near 327 Granite Street
Liberty Street Park, near 855 Liberty Street
Oredson-Todd Woods, of Lupine Street
Railroad Park, 758 A Street
Scenic Park, 603 Scenic Drive
Sherwood Park, 600 Sherwood Avenue
Siskiyou Mountain Park, 1399Park Street
Triangle Park, 800 Siskiyou Blvd.
Dogs are NOT allowed in the following parks at any time:
Bluebird Park (close proximity to Ashland Creek)
Glenwood Park
Lithia Park (nature preserve / proximity to Ashland Creek)
North Mountain Park, including ball fields (nature preserve / proximity to Ashland Creek)
“The rule change is effective immediately and signage will be updated accordingly. This represents a major shift in the commission’s thinking from years past”, stated Parks Director Don Robertson. “More and more Ashland residents and visitors own and travel with their dogs. I am thrilled to see this policy modification, as it really responds to our changing demographics”, said Parks Commission Chair Stefani Seffinger.
A dog leash, six feet or less in length, must be under the control of dog owners at all times. Owners are required to carry a means of cleaning up after their dogs or use the bags stocked in the Woof Waste (previously known as Mutt Mitt) dispensers. Those who do not pick up after their dogs risk being cited.
Per Ordinance 10.68.200:
Section B: Animals shall not be allowed to run at large, and if found within the park limits, may be impounded.
