JACKSON, Wyo. — Are there about to be more barks in parks? Jackson’s Town Council unanimously approved a motion on Monday to potentially update the rules for dogs in the parks, which would be implemented before summer 2027.
Current law states that it is unlawful for an owner to bring their dog to any Town park. That includes Town Square, Mike Yokel Park, Miller Park, Phil Baux Park, Powdernhorn Park, and Garaman Park, among others. The policies apply to all parks uniformly and don’t distinguish between leashed and unleashed dogs. The only designated dog park in town is the seasonal space created in winter at the fairgrounds.
On Monday, Director of External Affairs Susan Scarlata presented a scoping report to Council outlining the work it would take to present updated policy. Scarlata cited 35 to 50 hours of staff time and a “significant amount” of community engagement.
Councilors Devon Viehman and Alyson Spery expressed excitement to see the policy updates move forward. Councilor Kevin Regan mentioned he’s not sure where he falls on the issue of dogs in parks, but thinks it’s “worth having a discussion” and emphasized that he’d want to see public engagement.
