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Council open to 6‑month trial allowing leashed dogs on Heritage Park paths, staff to draft plan
Summary
Council members discussed lifting the long-standing dog prohibition at Heritage Park on a trial basis with leash rules, waste‑bag stations and exclusion zones near playgrounds; Parks director raised layout and off‑leash concerns and staff were asked to prepare a proposal.
The Clinton City Council discussed whether to allow leashed dogs on walking paths at Heritage Park and directed staff to evaluate logistics and present a trial proposal.
Mayor Marie Dougherty said she has received numerous complaints over the past five years from residents frustrated that Heritage Park remains off‑limits to dogs while other parks allow leashed animals on perimeter trails. Parks & Recreation Director Brooke Mitchell cautioned that Heritage Park’s small size and the proximity of trails to playgrounds make it different from parks with asphalt perimeter trails, increasing the risk that dog traffic would conflict with active play areas.
Councilmembers and staff explored mitigations including permitting leashed dogs only on designated walking paths, continuing prohibition near playgrounds and pavilions, installing dog‑waste bag stations before implementation, and conducting a six‑month seasonal trial with a defined review timeline. Although councilmembers did not reach unanimous agreement, a majority appeared open to a trial and asked staff to prepare a proposal with signage, waste‑station logistics and reevaluation metrics.
No policy change was adopted at the work session; staff were instructed to return a proposal outlining the trial period, signage and monitoring plan.
Next steps: Parks and Recreation staff will evaluate waste‑station logistics, signage, and enforcement approaches and prepare a trial proposal for council consideration.
