The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will be installing a temporary, fenced Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA). The project will help PARD to understand the benefits and drawbacks of a DOLA within a neighborhood park. For approximately three months, PARD will monitor the use of this DOLA and collect community feedback. City Council District 5
Share feedback about the Little Zilker Off-Leash Area
Background
By City Code, it is illegal to have dogs off-leash in public unless in a designated off-leash area. Dog Off-Leash Areas (DOLAs) provide safe spaces for dogs to play and run free. Fenced DOLAs can help to reduce conflicts between dogs and other park users. Little Zilker Neighborhood Park is not designated as a DOLA but is frequently used as one.
Project Description
Due to the high rates of non-compliance with the leash ordinance and conflicts with other park users at Little Zilker Neighborhood Park, the Parks and Recreation Department will be installing a temporary DOLA. The pilot project is set to begin in Fall 2023 and be in place for approximately three months.
Objectives
- Reduce the frequency of off-leash dogs in the park outside of the designated area;
- Reduce conflicts between park users and off-leash dogs;
- Encourage compliance with city ordinance; and
- Explore community sentiment of the off-leash area in the park.
Since this pilot project will be temporary, dog owners should be aware that water will not be available, owners are still expected to clean any dog waste for the health of the community, and any off-leash dogs outside of the designated area violates city ordinance.
Location Selection
The Parks and Recreation Department considered possible locations in the park. However, the location selected was determined to be the least impactful on current park uses with minimal ecological impact.
Review the location options here (PDF, 4.8MB).
Anticipated Schedule
- Fall 2023: Install temporary DOLA and open community survey (ongoing)
- Summer 2024: Remove temporary DOLA and close community survey
- Fall 2024: Publish monitoring and survey results
Community Engagement
Community members around Little Zilker Neighborhood Park are invited to share their feedback and thoughts about the pilot DOLA:
You can also report any dogs off-leash to Austin 311.
Results of the pilot project will be shared publicly. Future decisions about a dog off-leash area will consider this input before taking additional steps.
Funding and Resources
This pilot project will be funded by the Parks and Recreation Department Director's Office.
Contact Information
For more information, please email dola@austintexas.gov.