Wiley Park

Cons Com votes NOT to ban dogs off-leash at Wiley Park.

Faced with data and the testimony of direct observers, the rules banning dogs off-leash were removed from proposed changes in Cons Comm rules.  Off -leash dogs will continue to be allowed year-round.  Other rules have been formalized, with most of them acceptable to the EDOA.

There will be changes. What comes next?

The other rules include keeping dogs and people on the trails, not modifying the habitat (i.e. making new trails to the pond), leashing dogs in the parking lot, and limits of 3 dogs per person and a 10 ft leash.  Dog handlers are expected to obey the town laws regarding direct voice control.

What direct voice control looks like is something that will require clarification and education.  ACO Stephanie Sykes will be working on that.  EDOA has some ideas of their own and we have begun collecting such rules descriptions from other off-leash areas.  The intention is to have educational materials available by Summer 2024.

The data collected over the Summer of 2023 clearly demonstrated that the predominate usage of the park was proper and appropriate.  Few exceptions occurred but appeared to be correctable with clear delineation of trails and clear explanation and distribution of the rule of conduct.

Some town officials continue to point to new pond access cuts and abusive dogs and owners.  Those behaviors have not been observed by EDOA or town observers and/or verified.  This points to the fact that there are still elements in town government who see dogs as a danger to their interests and not as an channel of recreation and enjoyment of a major portion of the citizens of the community.

EDOA has never asked for any additional relaxation of rules or access than we have had in town for years.  Still, forces in Eastham and nearby communities continue to attempt to impose restrictions.  Beaches are closed to dogs for longer periods of the Summer, trails and walking areas get excluded or restricted.  We are so pleased that we had an opportunity to have our voices heard, had a chance to prove our claim that we too are stewards of the towns facilities, and that our town officials are willing to keep an open mind and work to serve the Eastham community – even dog owners.