Dog owners upset over potential changes to off-leash dog park

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — An area of open space located in Westminster is where one of Colorado’s largest off-leash dog parks is located, but the city is considering changes to the area that have residents upset. 

“We are recommending that we return the majority of that area to an on-leash opportunity, which is consistent with our open space,” said open space superintendent Joe Reale.

The Westminster Hills Open Space is 420 acres of space available for dogs to run, fetch and play off-leash.

A new proposal from the city’s Parks, Trails, and Open Space Department would drastically reduce that off-leash area, potentially limiting it to a small corner of the existing space.

The city meeting on March 6 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. will present four concepts for community feedback that incorporate many of the ideas that the city received from residents earlier this month. 

> Watch video above that aired Jan. 27: Popular Westminster dog park could soon see reduction in off-leash space

Reale said the city is growing increasingly concerned about the impact off-leash dogs are having on the landscape, wildlife and ecosystem. More than 1 million people visited the park last year.

“We are coming to the conclusion that our dog off-leash opportunity is having a negative impact on those natural resources, so we are recommending at this point that we change the designation to an on-leash requirement.”

Dog owners who regularly use the off-leash park are disappointed with the potential changes. 

Kristen Cobb is a dog owner who said she moved to the area specifically to have access to the park. 

“I would have to find somewhere else to go, it would be really devastating,” she said. “I’ve shed tears over it. It would really break my heart.”

Cobb believes the city has been too quiet about the proposal, without giving residents enough chance to offer input.

A survey put together by the city showed overwhelming support for keeping the open space the way it is.

“This is one of the only places around the entire city that is like this,” she said. “Dogs are my favorite part about life, and this is where you see them at their happiest, and it would just be completely devastating to so many people, and all of their dogs as well.”

She’s hoping the city will consider other options, like more fencing to preserve certain areas.

Reale said they are still receiving public feedback, and no final decision has been made.

If the department moves forward with its recommendation, the topic will eventually go before the Westminster City Council.

Find additional information on Westminster Hills Open Space. 

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