Dogs can now play off-leash in five new places across Penticton.
The city launched its “leash-optional” pilot project for local pooches on Friday, March 1.
Designated spaces within five Penticton parks have been identified for the six-month pilot project:
• Riverside Park
• Okanagan Lake Park
• Skaha Park Main
• Skaha Park East
• 1900 Penticton Ave (Entrance to Water Treatment Plant)
Dog walkers and park users are encouraged to share their feedback on the program, which will run until Aug. 31.
“We will be collecting feedback from each of the five locations to determine what works — and what doesn’t,” said Ysabel Contreras, the city’s parks planning and capital project coordinator. “Park users can share their experiences immediately by scanning a QR code at the park, or by filling out a feedback form at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.”
Council in October 2023 approved an investment of $200,000 in capital improvements to the city’s six existing off-leash dog parks. Local politicians green-lit this pilot project at the same time.
The city says it will be monitoring each location and may make adjustments to the availability of the off-leash areas at any time.
“After Aug. 31, dogs must be leashed in the designated areas until council decides whether the leash-optional spaces become permanent,” city officials said.
Maps and further details on each location can be found here.
As part of its pilot-project launch, the city offered several reminders to dog owners:
• Have your dog within sight and under verbal control at all times
• Pick up your dog’s waste
• Stop your dog from running into or jumping up on people
• Have current dog licence tags
• Not have more than 2 dogs per person
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