Off-Leash Pilot Program Set to Begin April
Los Altos, Calif. — March 23, 2021 — On April 1, Los Altos will begin a six-month pilot program allowing dogs to be legally off-leash in a designated, unfenced area of the Hillview Baseball Field.
In a presentation to the City Council, the results of a 2020 community input session showed that 53% of respondents wanted an Off-Leash Area for dogs at the Hillview Baseball Field. These recommendations came from an extensive community engagement process facilitated by the Parks and Recreation Commission, where residents provided feedback on four optional locations with off-leash or fenced-in options. The Council approved the recommendation with slight changes, directing staff to provide a full report back after six months instead of nine. The adoption of the Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program came after the second reading of the Ordinance at the February 23, 2021, Council meeting.
As a result, dog owners in Los Altos will now be able to let their dogs play off-leash in the designated Off-Leash Area every day from 7AM to 9AM and Monday through Friday from 7PM to 9PM and on weekends from 5PM to 9PM. Hours will be clearly posted around the Off-Leash Area.
Starting in April, park-goers at Hillview Baseball Field can expect to see signs posted with hours, rules, and how to give feedback on the pilot program. Dog bag dispensers and trash cans will also be installed so owners can maintain park cleanliness. The success of the pilot program will help determine if the program can be expanded to other parks in the future and become permanent at the Hillview Baseball Field.
For more information on the Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program, including rules, please visit www.losaltosca.gov/offleash.
