Leash ‘em Reminders from BPRD and Bend Police

Dogs are big users of parks and trails, and there are few public places where leashes aren’t required. One of the most common concerns from community members involves off‑leash dogs and their handlers not following these rules.

Bend Park and Recreation District and the City of Bend Police Department are reminding pet owners about leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on leash. BPRD’s park stewards will partner with Bend Police Community Service Officers by visiting several parks and trails this month to talk with dog handlers about expectations and park rules.

From Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, community members will see extra patrols by staff of both organizations, seeking voluntary compliance and providing reminders to anyone observed with a dog off leash about possible consequences of violations.

Dogs are required by city ordinance to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend except in designated off-leash areas. The engagement campaign aims to inform community members about possible enforcement actions, which can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $275 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

“Leashes aren’t just a rule — they’re one of the simplest ways to protect your dog, other park users, and the shared experience of being outdoors,” said Joel Lee, BPRD park stewardship manager. “Leashing your dog also helps protect wildlife, preserve natural habitats, and prevent harmful encounters.”

The park steward team keeps data related to their patrols and contacts in parks and facilities throughout the year. In 2025, they observed 12,697 dogs on leash and 2,864 dogs off leash, which equates to approximately 77 percent compliance. According to Lee, compliance varies seasonally as well as across parks and trails, with complaints increasing in neighborhood parks across the community.

Bend Police received 157 dog complaints regarding incidents on park properties in 2025, and 52 calls so far in 2026. The Bend Police Department maintains a dashboard allowing the public to see police calls for service in public parks. You can access it at https://policedata.bendoregon.gov/pages/parks-incidents.

“We need our community to work together and for everyone to follow park rules,” said Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller. “The law applies to everyone, even if you think your dog is friendly or well trained.”

Leash rules also apply while walking to a dog park from the entrance or a parking lot. Unleashed dogs running from a vehicle can create safety concerns for the dog as well as for others, especially in busy parks such as Hollinshead, Ponderosa, Big Sky and Pine Nursery parks.

Additionally, dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.

BPRD has nine dog off-leash areas in local parks, including:

Alpenglow Community Park (61049 SE 15th St.) 3.9 acres, fenced with small dog area and agility amenities.
Big Sky Park (21690 Neff Rd) 5 acres, fenced.
Discovery Park (1315 NW Discovery Park Drive) 1.6 acres, fenced.
Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia St) 1.1 acres, fenced with river access and small dog area.
Ponderosa Park (225 SE 15th St) 2.9 acres, fenced with small dog area.
Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park (NE Purcell Rd) 18.8 acres, fenced with seasonal splash pad and small dog park.
Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd) 3.7 acres, unfenced.
Overturf Butte Reservoir (Skyliner Summit Loop) 4.6 acres, fenced.
Awbrey Reservoir (NW 10th and Trenton) 5 acres, partially fenced (not fully enclosed). Note: acreage is approximate.

Off-leash area etiquette includes only visiting with vaccinated, non-aggressive pets. Also, please don’t allow children to ride bikes or play on agility course equipment located in the dog parks.

Learn more on the Dogs in Parks webpage.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.