The Parks and Recreation Commission approved dog management policy recommendations presented at the December 6 meeting by the Dog Management Committee. The recommendations are the result of 14 months of work by the Committee. The Committee was appointed by the Commission to develop policies that will serve as guiding principles in managing dog access in SMC Parks and when Parks staff evaluate locations where dog access may be incorporated into existing park activities. The policies direct staff to assess various factors, including potential conflicts with existing park uses, natural resource needs, and to consider impacts on staffing and budgetary needs.
The recommendations will be forwarded to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for review. Board approval is required for new ordinance language governing dogs in County parks. Currently, Parks operates under a County ordinance that prohibits dogs in County parks. Yet, the Department has accepted properties from other agencies and “grandfathered in” the practice of allowing dogs on leash at Pillar Point Bluff, Quarry Park, and the Loma Mar addition to Memorial Park. When a date for review by the Board of Supervisors is scheduled, it will be posted the San Mateo County Parks Dog Management Committee page.