Allen Park Closed to Dogs
At the Salt Lake City Council Meeting on July 20th, Council voted in favor of adopting an ordinance to include Allen Park as an open space area closed to dogs. This was done to mitigate conflicts with wildlife, protect site amenities, and ensure public safety (service dogs are exempt).
Allen Park is home to wildlife that could be harmed by dogs, including peafowl, turkey, deer, and other wildlife species that roam freely around the property. Since the park opened to the public, there have been numerous incidents where leashed and unleashed dogs have attacked and injured the iconic peacocks, as well as people who have intervened.
Prior to being adopted by City Council, this ordinance was presented to the Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry & Trails Advisory (PNUT) Board. The PNUT board expressed their support.
Public Lands appreciates how important it is for many residents to have access to neighborhood parks they can enjoy with their four-legged companions, and the vast majority of public spaces remain accessible to dogs and their owners, including designated off-leash areas in most SLC neighborhoods. Allen Park, being a new City amenity with unique wildlife, fragile resources and historic artifacts, requires extra effort from City staff and park visitors to ensure adequate stewardship of the property.
Other Salt Lake City open spaces that are closed to dogs include portions of the Wasatch Hollow Preserve, the I Street Bike Park and 900 South Bike Park, the Fred & Ila Rose Fife Wetlands Preserve, and portions of Parleys Historic Nature Park. Public Lands thanks visitors for understanding the need for restricting dog access in some public spaces, and for helping to protect Allen Park.
