Leashes are required on dogs again, as of Sunday, May 1, at Whistler Park. This includes the sports fields and playground. The west portion of the dog area at Whistler Park moves to off leash for the summer.
A leash is also required on the trails leading into Rita Valentine Dog Park as well as the parking lot. Dogs need to stay on a leash until they get into the dog park. Last year, Animal Control responded to nearly 1,200 calls for service including 54 bite reports.
Learn more at https://bit.ly/3xSvr6P
Here is the press release and all of the details from the City of Steamboat Springs.
Off-Leash Areas Transition To Summer Guidelines — Keep Your Dog On A Leash Until Well Within The Off-Leash Areas
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 25, 2022-With spring break in the books and the city moving closer and closer towards summer, seasonal changes are taking place in portions of two offleash areas including Butcherknife and Whistler Park, where segments of these parks that were off leash or leashed in winter will soon switch for summer.
“The transition of seasons brings changes all around us and that is true this time of year for the city’s two off-leash areas,” said Animal Control Officer Jennifer Good. “Please be respectful of each other and follow the rules so that all park users, both two- and four-legged get the most out of these areas.”
Butcherknife
Starting June 9, school hour leash restrictions on the Butcherknife Trail are removed during the summer months while students are out of session. Once school starts in August, leash requirements will go back into place. Remember this off-leash area is only the section from the bridge to the ‘Y’ of the trail, other portions of this trial require
a leash.
Whistler Park
Whistler Park sees the southeast segment of the park, which includes the sports fields and playground, transition to leash required. In addition, the west portion of the dog area, which is leash required in the winter due to elk winter range, moves to off leash during the summer. The seasonal changes in Whistler Park are in effect from May 1 through October 31.
Off leash areas are clearly signed at entry/exit points with a map outlining details. Off leash hours in both dog parks, Rita Valentine & Spring Creek, and the three off leash areas (Butcherknife, Sailors Way and Whistler Park) run from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset.
Please keep in mind that a leash is required for all surrounding trails leading into Rita Valentine Dog Park as well as the parking lot. Dogs should remain on leash until within the dog park boundaries. This past year, Animal Control responded to nearly 1,200 calls for service including 54 bite reports.
Keep your dog on a leash until well within the off-leash areas and carry the leash with you in case of wildlife or other encounters. When using these areas, voice, and sight control as well as dog waste removal and disposal is required by law. Individuals are encouraged to report animal complaints to Police Dispatch at 970.879.1144. Additional information and maps highlighting the Dog Parks and Off Leash Areas can be found at steamboatsprings.net/offleash.