6 Mountain View Parks Will Allow Dogs To Run Off-Leash In Pilot Program

MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS SF) -- Mountain View plans to begin a one-year pilot program, permitting dog owners to unleash their pets at six local parks starting June 23, a city spokeswoman said.

The City Council approved the program on April 22 after a recommendation by the city Parks and Recreation Commission, city spokeswoman Shonda Ranson said.

The commission conducted a survey and found that 67 percent of 744 people responding favored more unfenced, off-leash dog areas in city parks during specified hours, Ranson said. Starting June 23, dogs will be allowed to be off their leashes during set hours and designated sections of Bubb, Cooper, Eagle, McKelvey, Whisman and Cuesta parks, including Cuesta Annex.

Dog owners may have their dogs off-leash in the designated areas of the parks on weekday mornings from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with some exceptions.

Whisman Park will have additional evening hours, from 5 p.m. to just past sundown, and off-leash dogs will be permitted at Cuesta Park from 6 a.m. to just after sunset seven days a week.

Cuesta Annex may have unleashed dogs seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Laminated signs with the hours will be placed at the parks and the public will be encouraged to contact city staff to provide feedback on the pilot program, Ranson said.

Mountain View