Aspen considers off-leash play for dogs in city limits

Where to leash. Where not to leash. That is the question the city of Aspen is asking itself when it comes to its municipal dog-leash policies.

Open Space and Natural Resource Manager John Spiess, Parks and Open Space Director Matt Kuhn, and Parks and Recreation Director Austin Weiss presented possible updates to Aspen City Council concerning “running at large restricted; leash control” for dogs within city limits.

According to the proposed agenda item, the current code was deemed misaligned with the community’s evolving values, and the prevalent use of parks and open spaces for off-leash dog activities. 

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Aspen is recognized as a “dog-friendly town” by both residents and visitors. The proposed amendments to the municipal code aim to reflect current practices in city parks and open spaces. 

The changes provide clarity on where supervised off-leash play is appropriate and where leash use is essential due to environmental, safety, or public use concerns. These proposed revisions have been reviewed and endorsed by the Open Space and Trails board and approved by city staff.

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Spiess emphasized the intent behind the updates. 

“This is to delineate where off-leash play is allowed,” he said. “We’re counting on diligent owners to maintain oversight of the animal in those spaces.”

The revisions include some changes and additions to the existing code, which states that it is unlawful for any owner, possessor, or person to let any dog run at large within city limits. Now, this will not apply if the dog is within an Aspen city park or open space and meets certain conditions — minus a couple of exceptions. 

The new conditions require a dog to be supervised by the owner at all times while off-leash and to remain no more than 150 feet away from the animal. The owner must be attentive to the dog and able to verbally control it if necessary. 

Owners must have a leash in their possession, not longer than six feet, and ensure the dog does not interfere with public enjoyment or safety within allowed parks and spaces. Dogs are prohibited from entering trails, playgrounds, wetland habitats, artificial turf, or other areas where leashes are required. Signs will be posted in Aspen parks and open spaces for clarity. 

Other restrictions apply to parks or open spaces with active uses, such as events, sports, rental spaces, or other organized activities. Additionally, an owner cannot be considered in control if they have more than three dogs.

City Councilmember Bill Guth supported the proposed changes. 

“I thought the memo was very clear and that this is a very thoughtful change,” he said, motioning to have the proposal approved for a second reading.

Certain areas will remain restricted to any off-leash dogs, including Yellow Brick Park, John Denver Sanctuary, and Herron Park from 9 a.m. until dusk. 

City Councilmember Sam Rose said when he brings his English bulldog to Herron Park, “she does not handle the heat very well,” noting his dog’s enjoyment of the water. 

Rose initially questioned the wetland habitats restriction but acknowledged the need for further discussion during the second reading.

The first reading of these proposed changes passed unanimously.

Westley Crouch covers the City of Aspen and general reporting for The Aspen Times. He can be reached at 970-384-9124 or wcrouch@aspentimes.com.