Board adopts Lancaster Park off-leash dog park rules, adds age and hole‑filling requirements

The St. Mary's County Recreation and Parks Board voted on Feb. 1 to adopt rules and regulations for a new off‑leash dog park at Lancaster Park and to open the facility to the public on March 1. The board approved the rules with three specified changes: adding the word "young" to clarify the provision about children remaining seated, adding a requirement that owners "fill in any holes dug," and giving staff flexibility to refine the policy on food and dog treats.

Staff described the park as an enclosed, subdivided area of about 1 to 1.5 acres with a separate small-dog section and a larger multi‑use area, water for animals, and planned benches to be installed by April. The park will be open during normal park hours (sunrise to sunset). The department will not staff the dog park; park operations coordinator Tyrone Harris will oversee site operations and staff will rely on user self‑management for routine enforcement.

The board discussed breed restrictions and staff said county animal welfare and veterinary advisers recommended against prohibiting breeds by type; instead users will be expected to manage behavior. The board debated wording on children in the park and settled on limiting the rule to "young children" to reflect practical supervision concerns and to avoid excluding capable older youths. On the question of food and toys, staff and board members noted other dog parks generally prohibit toys and large amounts of food to reduce conflicts; the board asked staff to return with final wording after further review.

A motion to adopt the rules with the amendments was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said rule signage will be posted on the fence and informational materials will be available at opening; the board also discussed offering information at the ribbon-cutting or opening event about dog licensing and rabies-vaccination requirements.