Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Park Off-Leash Area Update
Effective January 1, 2011, each household will need either a $20 annual pass or a $2 daily pass to use the off leash areas at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks. Passes will allow the holder to bring up to 3 dogs into the off leash area. The annual Off-Leash Dog Park pass and daily pass will be available for purchase at both Park entrance stations which are usually open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. Annual passes will be valid for one year and will expire on the last day of the month one year after issuance. There will be self-service kiosks at both off-leash area parking lots to buy the $2 daily passes. Off leash users must produce their passes on demand. Off leash users must carry leashes and poop pickup bags at all times. You may always walk your dog on leash anywhere in the parks.
Fencing of the areas is anticipated to begin in the spring. Final management plans for the area have not been posted on the Web site, but can be accessed at:
Parks Board Packet - November 2010 - Part II.pdf
You should anticipate an increased ranger presence at the off leash areas as the Park Staff tries to enforce the new fees. Last weekend rangers were ticketing cars without annual Park passes. Speeding ticket enforcement has also been stepped up at Chatfield. Please note that the annual State Park Entrance Pass fee has increased to $70 for the 1st pass and $35 for additional passes for vehicles registered to the same owners.
However, this may be an opportunity to visit other off leash areas. Visit www.colda.org for a list of alternative locations for off leash walking. Please check out http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/colorado.html as well. Please note that there are specific requirements (training and fees) for the Boulder Off-Leash areas.
Also, we are live on Twitter at www.twitter.com/COLDAChatfield- please use the Twitter site to exchange information on items such as coyote sightings, ranger locations, lost dog descriptions, or just to check in and see if your friends are walking at the off leash area. If you are not happy with what is happening at Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks, check the Twitter feed for information on where to send letters to voice your opinion. New information is being posted today. Twitter for Dummies is posted at www.colda.org for those of us who are not yet proficient.
Thanks,
Carter Laing
Vice President COLDA
5347 S. Valentia Way, Suite 240
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
720-289-9359