Dog access in Madison parks could soon be expanded under a revamped city ordinance, Madison Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp says.

Knepp earlier this month sent an email to Madison alders seeking input on possible locations for a pilot program that will establish 10-20 additional parks in which leashed dogs will be permitted. Currently, Madison has seven off-leash dog parks and 14 parks that allow dogs on-leash.

“Staff has been aware for quite a long time that the existing ordinance and policy doesn’t seem to be working,” Knepp says. “And frankly, it doesn’t work for anybody.”

The Parks Division has received feedback from dog owners who desire greater access for their pets in city parks as well as complaints from park users frustrated with the presence of dogs in areas where they are supposedly prohibited.

However, the Parks Division does not have enough staff to enforce the current rules in a way that is “meaningful and equitable” throughout the parks system, Knepp says. As a result, park rangers have never been able to issue “a significant number” of citations for dog access violations.

Other parts of the ordinance are confusing, he says. For example, dogs are allowed on sidewalks, but they are not allowed to walk on paved paths in parks where dogs are prohibited.

“It doesn’t make sense to people,” he says.

Greater dog access in parks could potentially solve both problems – dog owners would have more options for recreation with their canine companions, and park rangers could be more successful with enforcing rules where they apply.

“Current policy is very dog-negative in Madison parks,” Knepp says. “I’m not sure that the outcome [of the pilot program] will be what people say is inherently dog-positive, but it’s at least worth considering. We’re looking for some kind of win-win where we can allow dogs in specific, dedicated areas under specific and enforceable conditions.”

City officials are seeking public input on which neighborhoods might be a good fit for the pilot program through April 15, and the program will be in place through April 1, 2016. During the year ahead, Knepp plans to hold public meetings to gather community input before bringing the revised ordinance before the city’s Long Range Planning Subcommittee.

If the pilot program is a success and the ordinance is changed, there will be some budgetary impact, particularly if a need for more park rangers is identified, Knepp says, but the “vast majority” of the city’s costs related to dog management is funded by dog park permit fees.

Though Knepp anticipates that the 10-20 parks included in the pilot program will come from four to five different areas of the city, he emphasizes that there are some places where he would not recommend allowing dogs, such as conservation parks, playgrounds and beaches. He’s also not interested in “forcing” the pilot program into neighborhoods where there is significant disagreement.

“There are some very strong views on this issue,” he says.

Citizens have been discussing the pilot program on Madison’s neighborhood email lists, with residents voicing both support and opposition to the potential changes.

“I strongly oppose changing the regulations to let dogs in our parks,” Madison resident Tim Wong wrote. “Does it serve our neighborhood to douse our parks with urine, not to mention the occasional dog shit?”

Writes Sarah Williams: “Dogs and people have been living together for thousands of years…. Many of us want to enjoy our canine family members in Madison's lovely parks. I hope we can keep this conversation positive. Madison has lots of lovely space to share.”