BPR

City of Bellingham Animal Related Regulations The purpose of this information is to acquaint you with the City Laws and Policies relating to having animals within City of Bellingham Park facilities. (Bellingham Municipal Code 8.04.070) GENERAL REGULATIONS All dogs in City Parks must be under control by means of being ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES (the owner or handler must be in possession of one leash per dog at all times) unless in an area designated for dog exercise and training. The owner or handler of any dog is to REMOVE FECAL MATTER deposited by their animal on public property or public easement before the owner leaves the immediate area where the fecal matter was deposited. The owner or handler of any dog must have in their possession the equipment necessary to remove their dog's fecal matter when accompanied by said dog on public property or public easement. CERTIFIED SERVICE DOGS ARE EXEMPT FROM THIS POLICY Service Dogs are defined as those dogs that have been professionally trained and certified as Service Animals. OFF-LEASH DOG EXERCISE AND TRAINING AREAS All dog owners/handlers are still responsible for having voice or sound control of their animal in designated exercise areas. When possible conflict exists within use of off-leash areas (particularly trails), by other people or dogs, then the owners/handlers must control their dog by leash if necessary. The owner or handler must respect all natural areas by staying on trails to minimize damage and preventing dogs from flushing, chasing or otherwise disturbing wildlife. The owner or handler must also restrict dogs in heat from off-leash areas, as well as dogs who exhibit aggressive behavior. The City has designated, by City Policy PAR 3.01.20 the following Park areas where dogs can be off leash for exercise and training as signed. Fenced Off-Leash areas: The owner or handler must follow specific regulations within fenced off- leash areas as posted at each site. Arroyo Park: All Trails Lake Padden Park: The fenced off-leash area near the ballfields in the southeastern part of the Park. Trails as designated at the east end of the Park between the fenced off-leash area and Galbraith entry on E. Samish. A dog water exercise area near the ballfields area (east side of lake) is signed for dog training/exercise. Dogs are restricted to entering Lake Padden only in this area. Sunset Pond: All trails plus the water are designated for water exercise and training area. Sehome Hill Arboretum: All secondary trails. Dogs must be on leashes on all paved trails plus the Jersey Street and Arboretum Walkway which are the two trails at the bottom of the Arboretum abutting the University campus. Bloedel Donovan Park: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. year round. If wet weather results in turf damage, off leash dogs will only be allowed south of the parking lot, at the discretion of the Director of the Parks & Recreation Department. Whatcom Falls Park: The Waterline Trail (south of Whatcom Creek) west of the Water Treatment Plant to Bayview Cemetery and the trail from the Waterline Trail south to Lakeway. Little Squalicum Park: All Trails. (Note – Little Squalicum Creek may contain hazardous chemicals which may be harmful to animals. Also, the Little Squalicum Beach area is NOT owned or regulated by the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department.) Post Point Treatment Area: The field and trails adjacent to the treatment facility are open for dog training and exercise. City park regulations apply to this area. Maritime Heritage Park: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. year round. ANIMAL RESTRICTED AREAS Due to heavy use by the public plus safety and health concerns, as well as sensitivity to art and gardens, there are several park areas where dogs and domestic animals are not allowed. A. Playgrounds B. Spray Parks C. Athletic Fields including but not limited to: • Civic & Joe Martin Fields • Frank Geri & Downer Fields • Squalicum Creek Park Ballfield • Battersby Field D. Tennis Courts E. Big Rock Garden Park F. Woodstock Farm

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