Off-leash dog rules at Quarry Park in San Mateo County continue

Planning commissioners approved that Coastal Development Permit Wednesday, Nov. 8, allowing the program to remain in place. Before doing so, the parks department was asked to improve signage at a grassy area near the park’s playground to indicate dogs are not allowed to be off leash.

Hannah Ormshaw, Parks Department assistant director, said the department intends to continue allowing on-leash dogs in the area and is increasing contact with dog owners about abiding by that rule. Since increasing contacts, Ormshaw said rangers are seeing more compliance.

“That is something that, moving forward, the department is comfortable with allowing to continue in that area because we feel it does support that family use of that area and allows families with dogs to also be able to use the playground area while keeping dogs out of the chain link fenced area,” Ormshaw said.

As for future off-leash dog recreation programs, Ormshaw said the department has not begun officially looking for areas to fence in as a dog play area. Commissioners Lisa Ketchum suggested a meadow near the new county pump track would be an ideal spot.

Fran Pollard and Burnett Silveria, both nearby residents concerned about protecting Quarry Park and its natural habitat, said they were comfortable with off-leash dog recreation on trails but asked that the Parks Department improve signage and public education on where the practice is and is not allowed. Of particular concern was ensuring park users clean up after their dogs on trails.

On Average, 82% of users also leashed their dogs when on portions of trials that required a leash be used, according to metrics used to gauge the success of the program during the 12-month monitoring period. Results also showed, though, that the number of times dog waste was found left on trails exceeded the standard for success of 20 by an average of 5.2 times per month.

Visitors largely complied with all other standards, Project Planner Sam Becker said. No instances of dogs harassing wildlife or entering sensitive areas were recorded and the number of times per month a dog either exhibited unwelcoming behavior or walked more than 10 feet off trail were rare.

“It’s great to see the Parks Department take our concerns and run with them,” Amy Tezza, a representative with the advocacy group Coast Side Dogs, said during public comment. “I can’t say how much we appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Parks Department. I think they’ve gone above and beyond in addressing our concerns and our desire to have more areas like Quarry Park made available to those of us who like to hike with our dogs off leash.”