 |
BPRD Update
This year our volunteers raked up and removed a truck load of surface rocks and spread 5 loads of bark chips at Riverbend OLA., created additional new rock lined trails and dog bag stations, did extensive cheat grass removal, and helped formalize the future development plan at the Pine Nursery OLA, and removed weeds and debris and spread 3 loads of bark chips at Ponderosa OLA.
BPRD has also made significant improvements at the OLAs including a new accessibility path and utilities at Pine Nursery, safety lighting installed at Ponderosa, and fire fuel reduction project at Overturf. |
The 2009 opening of the 7 OLAs has changed everything when it comes to city parks in Bend.
The following Visitor's Guide was prepared by the Bend Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) as a guideline for your first visit.
- Know your dog! The most important step to a successful dog park experience is knowing your dog. Not all dogs are good candidates for off-leash dog parks. If your dog has not had regular interaction with other dogs, it may lack the necessary social skills to make your visit safe and enjoyable. Socialize young puppies (8-16 weeks of age) at a puppy kindergarten class, not at the dog park.
- Know the park. Before taking your dog to an off-leash area, familiarize yourself with the site and the posted rules.
- Vaccinations: All dogs visiting the park must be immunized.
- Make your initial visit at a time that is not busy. Daytime hours during the week and late weekend afternoons are generally the quietest times at the dog park.
- Let your dog off-leash as soon as you arrive within the boundaries of the dog park. Mixing leashed and unleashed dogs can cause problems. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by free dogs and may display defensive behaviors.
- Keep an eye on your dog. Just as a parent would not leave a young child unattended; watch your pet and monitor whom he/she is playing with and if their behavior is appropriate. Make sure you can always see your dog.
- Keep walking! Walking, rather than sitting or standing will help minimize defensive and territorial behaviors. This means that your dog is more likely to pass another dog with a friendly sniff instead of a stare down.
- Do not allow your children to approach a dog without permission from the dog’s handler.
Remember that many dogs who visit the dog park are not socialized to children.
- Be aware that dogs have different play styles, temperaments and physical abilities. Many dogs love rambunctious play, while some dogs suffer from injuries and some are more timid and aloof. Always respect the wishes of the handler and be prepared to move to another area of the park in order to help facilitate dogs getting along. Leash up and leave if your dog is acting in an aggressive manner.
- Scoop the Poop – Hundreds of dogs visit this dog park every month and we want to keep it clean for everyone to enjoy. Nobody likes to step in or look at dog poop. Plastic bags, supplied by BPRD are available in on-site storage boxes.
- Keep the area safe and clean. Do not allow your dog to dig holes, which can cause injuries to unsuspecting people and dogs. Leave the site in better condition than you found it. Small actions, multiplied by hundreds of visitors, are what keep our off-leash dog areas a success. Report park condition concerns to BPRD Park Services at 541.388.5435.
BPRD has alot more information on their website. If you encounter aggressive dogs (or people) in the OLAs, contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.
Dog Off Leash Recreation Areas in Sunriver
Dog Off Leash Recreation Areas in Redmond
