Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heritage Park Dogs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clinton council considers allowing leashed dogs on Heritage Park trails; asks staff for trial options
Summary
After years of complaints, councilors discussed lifting the ban on dogs in Heritage Park’s walking trails with leash and bag-station requirements; council asked staff to draft ordinance language and consider a trial period or implementation steps before a final decision.
Clinton City Council members debated whether to allow leashed dogs on the walking trails at Heritage Park during a Feb. 24 work session, with proponents urging more freedom for responsible dog owners and opponents warning the small park and nearby playgrounds could create safety and waste problems.
The chair described repeated requests from residents, saying the restriction has been a frequent complaint: “I've gotten hit with way more since my campaign last summer.” Supporters suggested installing dog-waste bag dispensers and signs, keeping dogs on leash and continuing to prohibit dogs at playgrounds and pavilions. One councilor argued those measures would address most of the problem without a full ban.
Opponents said Heritage Park’s size and proximity of playgrounds make it vulnerable to leash violations that could put children at risk and argued that a trial could effectively turn it into a dog park. Council members suggested a middle path: allow dogs on trail portions only, monitor usage, and ask staff to prepare implementation steps (signage, bag dispensers, public education) and a reporting plan so the council could reassess after a defined period.
The chair signaled openness to a trial: “I'm willing to give it a shot.” Council did not adopt an ordinance change at the meeting; instead staff were asked to draft sample ordinance language and an implementation plan for future council consideration.
What happens next: staff will prepare draft code language and an implementation plan (including possible seasonal trial timing) for the council to review.
