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Approving Revised Statement of Policy and Guidelines for On-Leash Dog Access to the Madison Park System to allow leashed and licensed dogs with valid dog park permits be allowed in all general parks, with continued exceptions consistent with Madison General Ordinance
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WHEREAS, On October 2, 2019, the Board of Park Commissioners approved the “Statement of Policies and Guidelines for On-Leash Dog Access to the Madison Park System” (Leg File No. 57578), which included designated dog-free parks; and,
WHEREAS, In February 2020, the Board of Park Commissioners (BPC) and the Madison Common Council revised the Madison General Ordinances (MGO) 8.19, 23.32 and 1.08 to allow leashed dogs in most Madison parks (Leg File No. 59294, ORD-20-00030); and,
WHEREAS, 30 parks were initially designated as “dog-free”, and staff developed an annual review process to allow requests to change the dog status of a park; and,
WHEREAS, while requests were received for both dog-free and dog-friendly designation status, the designation changes created confusion for some additional educational and enforcement work for the Park Rangers; and,
WHEREAS, Parks Long Range Planning Subcommittee reviewed request data and significant public comment and has proposed that leashed and licensed dogs with valid dog park permits be allowed in all general parks, with continued notable exceptions consistent with MGO; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that, pursuant to Madison General Ordinances (MGO) 8.19, 23.32 and 1.08, the Board of Park Commissioners hereby approves the Revised Statement of Policy and Guidelines for On-Leas Dog Access to the Madison Park System.