Boise Off Leash Area Info

Dog Off-Leash Area Task Force

Meeting Minutes

Jamie Koole            Marion Kropp            Patti Murphy        Jerry Tracy           Marty Guerra

Julie Morgan            Donald May            John Rigby            Shelly Alder        Erik Kingston

Linda Watkins

Packet: Packet of basic information regarding dog off leash areas was handed out.

Introductions: Individual introductions, along with what people felt their interests were and 

what they could bring to the group.

Mission/Goal of Task Force: Each member will e-mail their suggestions to Jamie Koole, 

Boise Parks & Recreation and a formal mission statement will be approved at February’s meeting.

Issues to be Addressed by the Task Force: The task force identified several issues that they 

would like to address. The list is expected to expand as we further discuss off-leash areas. 

They are as follows (a name next to the subject indicates who is doing further research to bring 

back to the group):

    Parking                                                            Fund Raising    

    Safety of Dogs/Owners/Children                      Commercial Use of Off-Leash Area

    Rules & Regulations (Donald)                         Size of Off-Leash Area

    Vaccinations                                                    Current License Fees Uses (Linda)

    Healthy Dogs                                                   Demographics of Boise (dog ownership, age, use, etc.) (Linda) 

    Identification of Dogs (License)                        Amenities for an Off-Leash Area

    Common Courtesy of Users                            Possibility of Park Fees

    Child/Dog Supervision                                     Mutt Mitts

    Lighting of Facility                                            Ground Cover (Erik)

    Toys at the Park for Dogs                                Education/Marketing

    Signage of Off-Leash Area                              ADA Accessibility  

    Events                                                             Individual Owner/Dog Needs

Dog Challenge: Patti Murphy and her sister had discussed the possibility of bring the Dog Challenge 

to the Boise Valley for a possible fund-raiser. Patti’s sister works to put the Dog Challenge Competitions 

on in different areas.

License Fees are being researched by Linda to determine how these fees are used.

Ground Cover: Erik will be researching different types of ground cover that may be appropriate for 

off leash areas. Buffalo grass and fescue are examples that were mentioned. Drought resistance, 

low maintenance and ability to absorb a high amount of use need to be considered when determining

 what ground cover is most appropriate.

Parks are for People: This is an important point brought up in the meeting. Rick Johnson, speaker 

from Marin Co. had talked about parks for people, not dogs. This impacts many of the ways we may 

design the off leash areas. Parks need to be strategically located throughout the city and each park 

may incorporate different amenities depending on the demographics of the area it is placed. This will 

be further explored in future meetings.

Safety and Legal Questions: What is the liability for people with their dogs or children in the

 off leash area? People will assume liability for their actions as well as their pet(s) and/or minor children 

actions. BPR and Boise City Safety Units stated that the policy for dog off leash areas would be the same

as in all parks. People must assume responsibility for their dogs in the park as they do if their animal 

were in the street or on a side walk. BPR cannot assume owners risk because they use the park site. 

This is stated in State of Idaho Statute 36-1604.

Military Reserve Trail Access: This was a large topic of discussion that will need additional research 

before moving forward. Task force would like to look at the possibility of opening specific trails to dogs 

off leash. It was discussed how this is a hard area for BPR to manage and the issues that will be a challenge

 to the group. The area has wildlife that may be threatened by dogs off leash, rare and endangered plant 

populations, other user groups, Friends of Military Reserve, etc. The group is encouraged to research this 

issue as they proceed with looking at areas within the city limits that are supported by the Board of Park 

& Recreation Commissioners and the Mayor. The Reserves Master Plan will be distributed to members

 of the group who wish to do further research on the topic.

Demographics: Does the city have a zip code break down of licensed dogs throughout the city? Can a

 survey be done to determine where people with dogs live? What are users needs? Can the demographics

 be mapped on the cities GIS system? Linda will talk to the city clerks office to see what information is 

available. This information would allow the group to better determine where there are higher needs for

 dog off leash areas based on dog owner population. Also knowing average age group of users in a 

particular area may help to determine amenities within each park. The county has determined that 

approximately 50% of the people within the Boise City Limits own dog(s).

Surveys: Some of this information could be acquired by handing out surveys at pet stores, veterinarian 

offices and by trainers to gather information regarding the demographics of the city.

Speakers: Several people were mentioned to speak to the group on related issues. They included: 

Mountain Bikers, the County, Friends of Military Reserve, etc.

Possible Sites: Several sites have been located by BPR Staff and the Board of Park & Recreation 

Commissioners for dog off leash areas. They include the Bowler site in Southeast Boise, Temporary

 Military Reserve Site in North Boise, Site in Southwest Boise, and to look at the site the County is creating. 

The task force identified these sites on the Park Plan Map and will research these sites and possibly locate

 other sites that may be appropriate. Land donation in the Foothills was also discussed.

Process: The full process of how funds are distributed and priorities established by this city will be

 further discussed be BPR staff.

Arizona Report: A report located by Donald will be given to all members of the team. It has very

 valuable information regarding dog off leash areas and how they are established.