Parley's park OK'd as off-leash dog area

The dogs had their day at the Salt Lake City Council meeting Tuesday night.

Encouraged by about 200 people who filled the council chambers, the council approved Parley's Historic Nature Park as an official off-leash area for dogs.

"I'm thrilled that they recognized our user group and we're extremely excited to get to work and make this an agreeable place," said Rita Lund, a director of the group FIDOS (Friends Interested in Dogs and Open Space.)

Dozens of dog owners stood during the public comment portion of the meeting to speak in favor of keeping the park open to dogs, many speaking passionately about the significant role the park plays in the lives of their dogs. Some brought children or related stories about the friends they had made with other dog owners.

Others spoke against turning the park into an official off-leash area, citing concerns about the damage done to the park by the hundreds of dogs who visit it each day.

The council made the park an off-leash area last year and appointed an ad hoc committee to study the impact on the park. The committee recommended a management plan be developed.

The council's action makes the park an off-leash area and requires that such a plan be developed.