Dogs in the Parks
The East Bay Regional Park District remains one of the few public open space agencies in the nation that permits dogs off leash, under voice control, on hundreds of miles of trails. The Regional Parks are very dog friendly and provide many miles and thousands of acres of off-leash areas for dogs.
To make the Regional Trails and Parks enjoyable for everyone, we ask all park users to be courteous and observe our guidelines. The changes to Ordinance 38 affect just a few miles of 1,200 miles of trails in 65 parks. We must balance the desire to let dogs off the leash with the safety of all park users, including people who are afraid of dogs, and equestrians who may be inexperienced and unfamiliar with our trails.
WHERE IN THE PARKS WILL THESE CHANGES BE IMPLEMENTED?
The on-leash rule will apply to all Regional Parks where dogs are allowed, 200 feet from any entrances, as posted. The 200-foot rule provides a “cooling off” period for dogs excited to be outdoors. It also alleviates bottlenecks at gate and trail entrances.
For the Dunn and Serpentine Prairie Trails, the leash requirement is for designated portions of these trails, generally from the Trudeau Center south to the horse arena at the southern end of the prairie (about 1.5 miles). For Dunn and Serpentine Prairies Trails in Redwood Regional Park, dogs must be on leash so that they are under the direct control of their handlers and will not cause issues with horses and riders.
A large number of horses are ridden through this particular area because of the access trail from the two stables on Redwood Road (directly south) and the horse training arena. These changes were made in response to a series of incidents involving out of control, off leash dogs challenging, and at times attacking, horses in this area. Although some dogs are well behaved and do not cause an issue with horses, there are dogs that are not under control that have caused issues, including serious injuries to horseback riders and their horses, in this particular area.
The Park District must balance recreational uses with environmental preservation in the Regional Parks. The Serpentine Prairie was fenced in during 2010 to protect endangered plants. This led to a concentration of dogs and horses on surrounding trails. The trail segment in Redwood that is being restricted is short, about 1.5 miles out of about 20 miles in this Park. Dogs will be allowed, but they must be leashed in this area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is an exception to the leash laws and has its own posted rules regarding dogs.
Albany Beach is a State Park, and State Park rules apply. EBRPD will not be changing its current enforcement practices related to dog activities at Albany Beach.
The 200-foot rule follows a pilot program at Skyline Gate and Alhambra Valley Staging Area in Briones. This has proven to increase safety for both people and dogs in the area, and reduces conflicts. Dog owners must keep control of their dogs. Owners must always carry a leash (6-foot maximum) and take dogs off leash only on designated trails. They must be under voice control (i.e. come immediately when called). Be aware that other hikers may be frightened or unaccustomed to off leash dogs. Be understanding and leash dogs if others appear nervous or ask you to. We ask dog owners to respect the rights of others on the trail.
Park District rules, including those pertaining to dogs in Regional Parks, are administered under Ordinance 38. You can see full text of Ordinance 38 on the District's Web site at www.ebparks.org/activities/ord38.
Please see our website at www.ebparks.org for easy links to rules and regulations in the Regional Parks, or see the rules section of brochures available at the parks or Administrative Offices, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland http://www.ebparks.org/activities/dogs.
For further information or questions related to Ordinance 38 and/or rules as they apply to Dogs, contact: Lt. Jon King, 510-690-6552