Dogs to be (Officially) Allowed in Byrd Park
On Monday, City Council reps Samuels and Jewell will introduce an ordinance to legalize dogs in Byrd Park. For some months now, dogs have been allowed in most parts of the park on a trial basis.
Ord. No. 2009-218 (Patrons: Mr. Samuels and Mr. Jewell) – To amend the Code ***
concerning the prohibition of dogs in certain parks and other areas, to permit dog owners to take leashed dogs into certain areas of Byrd Park after December 1, 2009.
http://www.richmondgov.com/applications/clerkstracking/getPDFCouncil.asp?NO=280&TYPE=A
A great deal of debate lead up to the decision to allow people to walk their dogs in the park. Was it the right decision? Are you a fan of this new ordinance that would make the change permanent. Celebrate or commiserate in the comments section.
Yay!
Anyone know which areas, or are the dogs going to have full run of the place? I’ve nothing against dogs, but after being bitten by one, I would like to know where I can avoid dogs in Byrd Park.
One spot that I recall was to remain dog-free is the strip of grass near Fountain Lake, where you often see people sunbathing (not this time of year, of course). Anyone have the rest of the details? It might be in the ordinance, which you can access through the link. Also, for the record, dogs are only legal if they are on a leash, connected to an owner.
I’m tickled by the decision. I just hope folks will be considerate and pick up after their pooches. Actually, until I saw this posting, I had no clue that dogs were barred from the park. We walk our pup around Swan Lake every morning.