Dog Park Evergreen Colorado Proposal – The Heated Debate Continues In 2022

The off leash dog park at Evergreen Proposal is back on again. Sort of. And, maybe not. Supporters are determined to re-open the popular park and have submitted a second attempt for city council consideration. The debate about where this public facility should be located continues as well. Read on to learn more about the controversy, pros and cons, and what you can do if you support or oppose this proposed green space for man’s best friend. Evergreen residents will soon decide on whether to build a fenced-in, off-leash dog park in town. The choice is that simple: Do we build or not? A pro group called “Friends of Evergreen Off Leash” is leading the charge with a ballot initiative for the November 2018 election. If a majority agrees, then the town will pay for construction of a new dog park somewhere within Evergreen — but not necessarily where dog owners would prefer. This column offers both sides of an important debate to anyone who lives in or visits Evergreen. Dog owners and their friends may find inspiration to join either side or launch initiatives of their own!

Why is there a debate about an Off Leash dog park in Evergreen?

The controversy is rooted in a long history of conflict between dog owners and surrounding residents. The park was built near the end of a cul de sac in a residential neighborhood. There’s also a problem with people who don’t clean up after their dogs and park patrons who let dogs roam off leash in the wrong spots. The city considered closing the dog park after repeated complaints, but declined because there was no alternative location. This fed the anger of dog owners, who wanted the park to stay open. After years of frustration, a group of dog owners came up with a solution: Build a new dog park!

Where in Evergreen do you think an off leash dog park should be?

The Evergreen Dog Park proposal site is located east of Fillius Park north of H-74 on the bend heading to El Rancho. The 32-acre area is almost entirely inclined, but it faces south and provides excellent views. According to a rough layout I saw, the trails will be terraced and will include steps and/or switchbacks to facilitate a change in elevation. The area is approximately 12 acres. It will have a smooth surface for walking. Parking for cars is unknown, but it is not on a through-traffic street, so overflow would not disrupt others if there were. The board members of the EPRD can answer this question. The entry fee would be the same for residents and visitors from outside of Jeffco.

Dog owners would like to see the park near one of the town’s public parks. The nearby Sports Park is the most likely choice. The only other possibility is a plot at the end of Aspen Woods Drive, but it’s not a suitable place. This spot is at the end of a dirt road, isn’t fenced, has too many weeds, and is far away from the majority of people who come to the park. It is also adjacent to a residential neighborhood filled with families with young kids and homeowners who take issue with dogs roaming free. Dog owners say they’ve been working with the city to find a solution since October 2017. They insist that they want a fenced-in park, not a meandering trail that goes through people’s yards.

Why does the current proposal have so many opponents?

On June 28, Betsy Rich and Dale Glover from FEDP presented their dog park proposal to the Evergreen EPRD board. They proposed a 36-acre site near Fillius Park, near Evergreen King Soopers, that could be used for the dog park. EPRD, FEDP volunteers, and Jeffco Open Space, among other institutions, would support the undertaking. The EPRD board would first have to determine whether the venture was feasible. The board unanimously agreed to pursue the idea, noting that it would require a lot of staff time and effort. A subcommittee, which would include board President Don Rosenthal and board member Mary McGhee, would look into the possibility of establishing a dog park. “This is a major undertaking, and you can’t accomplish everything at once,” Rosenthal said. “I think we should push for this.” The board expects to seek community input before making a decision.

The Friends of Evergreen Off Leash group is trying to bring the park back to the Sports Park. However, the city has chosen instead the land behind the Evergreen Public Library, which is in a residential zone. The Friends say that the city is ignoring the will of the majority of dog park visitors. They also say that the Library property is too small, too close to homes, and doesn’t have easy access from any nearby roads. The group also points out that the Library property is too close to a nature trail that is frequently used by families with small children.

What’s wrong with where the dog park is currently located?

Some dog owners would like to see the park moved to Aspen Woods Drive, a residential street at the end of a cul de sac. They insist that this is a more appropriate place for an off leash dog park because it is more centrally located. It’s also fenced-in, has ample space for running, and can be closed off from the rest of the neighborhood. Others, however, claim that this location is unsuitable because it is too close to homes and has no parking. The only access is a narrow, winding dirt road that is difficult to navigate even in a car. Visitors also have to walk up a hill and cross a busy street to get to the park.

Pros and cons of the current proposed location for the off leash dog park

Pros: This is a pre-existing park that is currently being used by dog owners. A new off leash facility would be much more accessible and visible to people who don’t live in the neighborhood. It’s also within a short walking distance from the Sports Park Cons: The current park is at the end of a cul de sac that doesn’t have any visibility from the main roads. This makes it less accessible to the general public.

The park dispute was finally settled when the counties and FEDP came to an arrangement. A few alterations will be made to the park—a restriction on the number of dogs admitted at one time and a restriction on the amount of time each canine may stay in the park, one day a week will be closed to the public for maintenance, dog parks will be fenced off from the water, and signs will be posted warning owners to clean up after their dogs.

Pros and cons of the second proposed location for an off leash dog park

Pros: The Library property is at the intersection of two major roads and is visible and accessible to everyone in the town. It’s also close to the Library, which means it would be easy for children to go there after school. The Library is also open between 9am and 5pm, which means that the off leash park would only be open a few hours a day. Cons: The current proposal is for a much smaller dog park than many dog owners would like. The Friends of Evergreen Off Leash group say they have been trying to talk to the city about finding a larger space but have been ignored.

The final decision is up to Evergreen residents. What will it be?

The off leash dog park at Evergreen Proposal is back on again. Sort of. And, maybe not. Supporters are determined to re-open the popular park and have submitted a second attempt for approval. The debate about where this public facility should be located continues as well. Read on to learn more about the controversy, pros and cons, and what you can do if you support or oppose this proposed green space for man’s best friend. Evergreen residents will soon decide on whether to build a fenced-in, off-leash dog park in town. The choice is that simple: Do we build or not? A pro group called “Friends of Evergreen Off Leash” is leading the charge with a ballot initiative for the November 2018 election. If a majority agrees, then the town will pay for construction of a new dog park somewhere within Evergreen — but not necessarily where dog owners would prefer. This column offers both sides of an important debate to anyone who lives in or visits Evergreen. Dog owners and their friends may find inspiration to join either side or launch initiatives of their own!

The Dog Park Backstory

Dog owners have been trying since 2017 to get the city to approve a new, larger dog park. They say that the current off leash dog park is at the end of a cul de sac and has no visibility from the major roads in town. The park was built in 2015 as a result of a petition by dog owners to the city. At the time, the city council agreed to build the park if it received enough signatures from dog owners who wanted their own space. Residents at the end of the cul de sac objected to the park because they didn’t want the extra traffic from other dog owners coming to their neighborhood.

Where Should the Evergreen Dog Park Be?

Dog owners want a fenced-in dog park that is as convenient for everyone as possible. Ideally, the park would be located near one of the town’s public parks. It would also be nice if it were close to a main road so that it would be easy for the general public to find. Unfortunately, Evergreen is a small town with limited available land. The city council and residents will have to decide which of the proposed parks is the best fit for a fenced-in dog park.