Washington Park morning off-leash pilot program approved in Burlingame

The dog-walking community in the area proposed the idea to staff, and said that volunteers from their group would ensure dogs are out of the way of Parks and Recreation staff and no litter is left behind. 

“We, as a group, are a very together community. We love having our dogs be able to be together,” Burlingame resident Shelley Nielsen said. “We always watch our dogs and if someone hasn’t picked up something we always let them know. … We want to make sure the field works for all of us. Not just for the dogs but for the humans, too.” 

The compromise proposal is a prime example of city government partnership with the local community, councilmembers said. Vice Mayor Michael Brownrigg joked that the city’s ongoing dog park issues are a perfect illustration of local governments’ responsibility in navigating thorny issues.  

“In my mind, there is a special circle in heaven for people who negotiate good agreements between people who are afraid of dogs, and people who love dogs,” he said. “This is what government has to do — you have to find a tradeoff. This feels to me like an excellent solution.” 

Though the city has certain areas where off-leash dogs are permitted — including Adrian Dog Park, Skyline Park and the Washington Park outfield — debate around the issue and how to best utilize Burlingame’s limited outdoor recreational space has continued, with the Parks and Recreation Commission rejecting a proposal to allow off-leash dogs on the Ray Park Athletic Field in February. 

Councilmembers also lauded the dog-walking group’s proactive approach to the issue, including extensive work from staff and a complete July coverage schedule for park volunteers. 

“This is really not a hard call for me, because I really appreciate how this special interest group has stepped up and been really proactive to come up with a solution,” Councilmember Andrea Pappajohn said. “I really am thankful for all the work you’ve done.” 

Another member of the dog-walking group, Burlingame resident Amy Penticoff, said that allowing extended time for off-leash dogs in the morning would benefit a community that’s planning a large increase in housing units and residents. Of around 2,500 new units planned, only one development has an appropriate area for dogs to roam, she said. 

“That’s 2,500 units that do not have backyards,” she said. “They need a place for their dogs.” 

The City Council will reevaluate the pilot program and the possibility of extending it for future summers at the end of summer 2025.