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Council adopts updated leash code allowing supervised off‑leash play in parks, limits at Heron Park
Summary
The council adopted ordinance changes that allow supervised off‑leash play in designated city parks and open space under conditions (owner voice control, leash in possession), set leash length to six feet on trails/sidewalks, and restrict off‑leash use at Heron Park after 9 a.m.; staff said rangers will emphasize education before enforcement.
Aspen City Council adopted Ordinance 10 on Aug. 13, 2024, updating the municipal leash code to reflect current use patterns and clarify where off‑leash play is allowed. Staff framed the change as aligning code with observed behavior while giving rangers clearer enforcement tools.
Parks staff summarized the key points: off‑leash play will be permitted in city parks and open spaces when the dog is under active supervision and voice control, the owner carries a leash, the play does not interfere with other users, and dogs avoid signed leash‑required areas such as trails, playgrounds and wetland habitat. The leash length elsewhere (trails, sidewalks, streets and the pedestrian mall) is set at six feet, and a person may be in direct control of no more than three dogs. Heron Park, John Denver Sanctuary and the Yellow Brick Park were singled out for additional restrictions: Heron Park will allow off‑leash play only before 9 a.m. to reduce conflicts with high child and family use.
Public commenters included professional trainer Chris McKelvey, who said he “strongly oppose[d] allowing more parks and open spaces to be off‑leash” based on daily encounters with uncontrolled dogs; other residents asked for a fenced dog run and emphasized enforcement capacity. Parks staff and the city manager stressed a ranger approach focused first on education, with enforcement reserved for repeat or hazardous incidents. Council questions focused on enforcement thresholds and whether rangers have bandwidth; staff said the code change enables better management and that communications and targeted enforcement would ramp up near back‑to‑school season.
The ordinance passed on roll call. Council directed staff to support the change with outreach, clearer signage and education for residents and visitors.
