Protecting Sensitive Ecosystems
In addition to providing recreation opportunities for the island's residents and visitors, the Park District's mission also includes preserving green space and protecting wildlife.
To that end, we ask visitors to consider their impact on the natural beauty around them and embrace the following guidelines.
PLEASE read about dog-friendly parks prior to bringing your pets with you.
We Come as Observers
Stay on the Trails
These parks were created with the idea that when people are more in touch with nature, they can more deeply appreciate the need to protect our flora and fauna. It's important to stay on the trails to ensure a minimal impact on the ecosystem.
Show Respect for Our Wildlife
These parks are their home...where they raise their young and do their best to thrive in a world being slowly taken over by humans. Please be considerate of them.
We Take Nothing
Refrain from Fishing or Harvesting
Within these parks, all living organisms are protected from human interaction. That includes fish, crabs, shellfish, and all other marine and terrestrial animals. Please follow a hands-off policy. Leave the fish, clams, and crabs for the wildlife.
Leave the Momentos on the Beach
Branches, driftwood, sand, rocks, shells...they all make up the ecosystem in these parks. By removing "treasures" from our parks and beaches, you are removing someone's home, building material, or barricade from the elements. Please don't collect anything from our parks.
We Leave No Trace
Pack It in, Pack It Out
We encourage you to sit a spell and appreciate the quiet beauty of these parks. However, there are no trash cans, so please plan accordingly. Bring in what you need, and please take all trash and evidence of your visit back out of the park with you.
Consider Your Impact
As a general rule, please be mindful of your impact on these fragile ecosystems. The crunch under your feet as you walk along the tideflats may be a sand dollar bed being accidentally crushed. The eagle you are trying to get closer to may be frightened off from the fish it was targeting to take home to its hungry eaglets. Observe, enjoy, learn, marvel...but please consider how your actions impact this park and its inhabitants.
WHY AREn't dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on more than half of our park trails
We know you love bringing your dog with you to enjoy recreation in our parks. In response to public demand, AIPRD has opened access to leashed dogs in many of our parks:
- Freddie's Off-Leash Dog Park - This park has 2 fenced areas, an obstacle course, covered seating and a trail to the adjoining park.
- Andy's Wildlife Park - This 2.5 mile trail system is great for longer walks with dogs, offering beautiful shaded woods throughout. The trail from the dog park leads into this trail system.
- Jane Cammon Park - Even-terrain trails offer a great place to go running with your dog.
- Idie Ulsh Park - This short, lush trail is full of wonders and isn't a long commitment, for those days that you just want to get out for a short walk.
- Tom's Park - Still under development, this park has one of two trails that is dog-friendly and we are currently developing a plan for lake access.
Dogs must remain on-leash
Aside from the dog park, we ask that your dogs remain leashed at all times while in our parks. Other park visitors and/or their dogs might not have the same discipline or love of meeting new friends as your dog. Please help us prevent unintentional incidents by being a good neighbor and keeping your pet under your physical control.
Which parks are not dog-friendly?
Four parks are not available to leashed dogs:
- Jacob's Point Park
- Andy's Marine Park
- Lowell Johnson Park (The Old Swimming Hole)
- Tom White Park
Why are my dogs not allowed in those parks?
We know it's disappointing to not be able to take your pets everywhere, but we ask that you please respect the park rules. There are a few reasons we have restricted dog access to some parks.
Wildlife and Ecosystem Preservation
More than most parks, Jacob's Point, Andy's Marine and Tom White Parks are critical ecosystems. All offer a sanctuary to diverse wildlife and AIPRD has made the decision to limit access as part of the protection of those ecosystems.
Sanitation
Particularly in the case of Lowell Johnson Park, it's a health concern to combine human water recreation with the needs of dogs when nature calls. Even when conscientious humans pick up dog waste, there are still instances of dog urination that have caused issues.
Considering All Park Visitors
No matter how much we dog lovers adore our family members, the simple fact is that there are neighbors who are not comfortable with dogs. We have worked to create a park system that accommodates the needs of a wide variety of patrons, and that means offering some dog-free spaces as well.