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THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF WINDSOR
POLICY
Service Area:
Parks, Recreation & Culture and
Facilities
Policy No.:
Department: Parks
Approval Date:
June 5, 2019
Division:
Parks Development
Approved By:
CSPS 47
Effective Date:
June 5, 2019
Subject:
Dog Park Policy
Procedure Ref.:
Review Date:
Pages:
Replaces:
Prepared By: Mike Clement
Date:
1. POLICY
1.1.The Dog Park Policy provides the framework for selecting the future locations of all
leash-free areas located within City of Windsor owned and operated parks.
2. PURPOSE
2.1.The City of Windsor recognizes the social benefits of dogs and their owners
having access to and being accommodated within the parks system. Providing
designated leash-free areas is an important part of this inclusion. This policy will:
a. Provide guidelines for the establishment of new leash-free areas
b. Consider the impact on surrounding neighbourhoods and park users
c. Consider the needs and individual characteristics of each neighbourhood
when creating leash-free areas.
3. SCOPE
3.1.This policy provides the criteria which is to be considered when selecting future
dog park locations for all City of Windsor owned and operated property.
4. RESPONSIBILITY
4.1.The CAO will support the Dog Park Policy and its implementation
4.2.The Corporate Leader of Parks, Recreation & Culture and Facilities will support
the Dog Park Policy and mediate any disputes regarding its implementation,
should any arise
4.3.The Senior Manager of Parks:
4.3.1. Is responsible to direct a review of this policy annually
4.3.2. Shall carry out the role as decision maker under this policy in good faith
and in a timely manner
4.4.The Manager of Parks Development:
4.4.1. Is responsible for ensuring all new leash-free locations are selected in
consideration with the guidelines in this policy
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4.4.2. Will ensure opportunity for public consultation for any potential new
location
4.4.3. Will be responsible for implementing the policy and providing suggestions
in revising the guidelines as required
4.4.4. Will consult with other Departments as required (e.g. Planning
Department, Windsor Police Service, Humane Society etc.)
4.5. The Manager of Parks Operations:
4.5.1. Is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the leash-free area
4.5.2. Is responsible to place appropriate signage outlining rules of the leash-free
area
4.6.The Office of the City Clerk will track any requests from residents regarding new-
leash free areas and forward them to the Parks Development Manager
5. GOVERNING RULES AND REGULATIONS
5.1.New off-leash areas will be considered in conjunction with capital redevelopment
of existing parks or new park development against the policy criteria
5.2.The following criteria should be considered when determining a new leash-free
area:
5.2.1. Geographic location in Windsor
a.
New leash-free areas should be spread across Windsor in order to
serve all residents in Windsor, as noted in the Parks Master Plan
b.
Leash-free areas should not be constructed in close proximity to one
another
c.
Leash-free areas must be located in either community or regional parks
and may not be established in neighbourhood parks.
5.2.2. Restrictions
Off-leash areas shall NOT be established in close proximity to the following
areas:
a.
playgrounds, splash pads and wading pools;
b.
horticultural display areas or ornamental gardens;
c.
skateboard bowls, tennis courts and other sports pads;
d.
sports fields and stadiums;
e.
artificial or natural ice rinks, toboggan hills;
f.
designated heritage, memorial, commemorative and ceremonial
areas;
g.
cemeteries;
h.
areas posted prohibiting dogs;
i.
swimming beaches
j.
natural areas
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5.2.3. Inclusions
Off-leash areas MUST include the following:
a.
A minimum of 1.5 acres of available land on which to place the leash-
free park on
b.
Separate, fenced off areas for large and small dog breeds
c.
A grass area for dogs to play
d.
Fencing surrounding the perimeter of the leash free area
e.
A pathway around the perimeter
f.
A gated entrance
g.
Where possible, administration should consider the overall topography
to allow for adequate drainage
h.
Where possible, there should be access to a water source
i.
Alternatives to the above noted inclusions can be brought forward to be
considered for approval by City Council.
5.3. Designation of an off-leash area may be cancelled by the Corporate Leader of
Parks, Recreation & Culture and Facilities where in the opinion of the Senior
Parks Manager:
5.3.1. the off-leash area is not being used on a regular basis
5.3.2. extensive damage to the park and / or natural environment is occurring
5.3.3. the park is no longer suitable for an off-leash area
5.3.4. conflicts between park users cannot be resolved
5.3.5. repeated, ongoing non-compliance with the Code of Conduct for off-leash
area use posted at each off-leash area
5.4.DEFINITIONS
Neighbourhood Parks: are designed for the recreation and leisure activities of
residents within a defined service radius of Windsor. These are local parks that
serve their local residences within a comfortable walking distance, and usually focus
on passive recreation activities with open spaces of grass, trees for shade, and may
include pathways, small playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, and possibly a single
sports field (either baseball or soccer) which is used primarily for casual use and not
generally rented out for organized sports games or tournaments.
Community Parks: are larger scale parks ranging from 2 to 6 hectares (4.94 to
14.83 acres) serving a greater catchment area and still offer the base recreational
services of a Neighbourhood Park, but with a broader range of amenities including
such items as splash pads, picnic shelters, accessible playgrounds, and organized
sports fields to mention a few. Such parks may also include a small arena, pool, a
community centre or library as an anchor facility. There are instances in the city
where community parks can be associated more closely with a school to provide a
joint cooperative use.
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Regional Parks: generally attract users from all across the city and often attract
users from outside the city boundaries, or even beyond Essex County. Like
Community Parks they provide the base services of a Neighbourhood Park. Since
the volume of users is potentially greater, the level of services is also greater. They
have a significant draw which can also foster commercial opportunities (such as;
carnivals, festivals, art shows, or special events). Regional parks provide
recreational services with a more organized sports focus.
6. RECORDS, FORMS AND ATTACHMENTS
6.1.
Records are the responsibility of The Office of the City Clerk and will be kept in
accordance with the Records Retention Bylaw #21-2013 as amended from time to time.
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