Ann Morrison Park off the leash season is here!

boise-ann-morrison-park

Bring on the dogs! The east side of Ann Morrison Park will become a seasonal dog off-leash program starting Nov. 1.through Feb. 28.

The 3rd annual off-leash program, which runs through Feb. 28, is intended to help prevent long-term damage and address public health and safety concerns caused by hundreds of geese wintering over in the riverside park.

Dogs are allowed off-leash from the fountain to the east border of the park, 1000 Americana Blvd. Signs are posted with a map showing the off-leash boundaries.

Launched in 2012, the dog off-leash program is popular with downtown dog owners.

“The dog off-leash program has been an effective way to minimize turf damage caused by large concentrations of geese in the park,” said Tom Governale, superintendent of parks. In January 2013, workers counted 10 geese in the eastern section of the park — down from 485 geese a year earlier.

Over the years, Boise Parks & Recreation managers have worked with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to implement tactics for decreasing the concentration of non-resident geese in the park. Most recently, the City has used coyote decoys, hazing with utility vehicles, lasers and noise with limited success.

The end of the program coincides with the start of practice season for local soccer teams.

Boise Parks & Recreation operates four designated dog parks and an additional seven multi-use parks with year-round off-leash hours. To learn more about dog-friendly areas in the city, see the off-leash areas website. Or call the Parks Administration Office at 208-608-7600.

The 153-acre park features a distinctive spray fountain, gardens, Candy Cane Playground, tennis courts, lighted softball diamonds, soccer, cricket and football fields, and a picnic pavilion.Boise Parks & Recreation invites neighbors to attend and provide input for the Ann Morrison Park Master Plan update.

The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16th, 5:30 – 7 pm at the Boise Depot, 2603 W Eastover Terrace.

The Ann Morrison Park Master Plan has not been updated since the park was developed in 1959. The intent of the open house is to present the final concept for the master plan developed with input from more than 1,000 comments received during the initial public outreach including open houses, face to face interviews and social media surveys.

Source of Information City of Boise parks.cityofboise.org