South Fayette CODE CORNER
'Safe and enjoyable for everyone' Rules updated for busy township parks
▶ A splash pad in Fairview Park is expected to open in summer 2024.
Regulations added for dog park, splash pad, large events and more By Andrea Iglar Increased park use and new facilities were the driving forces behind updating the park rules this year in South Fayette Township. In June, the Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance adding rules for new amenities in Fairview Park—the wooded, fenced Bark Park that opened for off-leash dogs in May, and the splash pad that is under construction on the Mayview site. The splash pad is a water feature expected to open next summer, along with the new Mayview Pavilion, which will accommodate 200 people. Language also was added to govern large events, manage rentals and regulate drones. Parks and Recreation Director Paula Willis said the rules help protect people and property as park use grows. “The parks have gotten so much more crowded and busy, and people are using them in so many different ways,” she said. “The rules set expectations to ensure the parks are safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Dogs The updated regulations eliminate the previous off-leash zone on the hill in Fairview Park and establish rules for the 5-acre Bark Park—the only spot where dogs are allowed off leash in any township park. Bark Park is available free of charge, and no permit is required. The dog park features trails and woods, and it is subtly fenced for safety. Hours generally are dawn to dusk. Highlights of Bark Park rules include: •
The area is for dogs and their owners/handlers only.
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No children under 16 are allowed without adult supervision. Small children must be within arm’s reach.
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Dogs must be properly licensed, tagged and inoculated.
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No dog that is vicious or aggressive, or has previously bitten any person, is allowed.
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Dogs in heat and puppies under six months are prohibited.
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Owners must closely supervise and control their dogs.
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Three dogs per handler is the maximum allowed.
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Owners are 100% responsible for any injuries suffered or inflicted by their pet. The township is not liable for any injuries to dogs or people.
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Handlers must clean up after pets and properly dispose of waste.
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The township may close Bark Park at any time.
When entering or exiting Bark Park, unleash or leash dogs inside the double-gated holding area, not inside the Bark Park. Leashes must remain visible and handy inside the dog park. Outside of Bark Park, dogs must be leashed at all times in every area of every park. In addition: •
Maximum permitted leash length is 12 feet.
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Dogs are not allowed on any athletic field, sports court, playground or splash pad.
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Owners must clean up and dispose of animal waste.
Splash Pad A splash pad—a recreational feature for water play, with no standing water—is under construction in Fairview Park and expected to open in summer 2024. The facility will not have a lifeguard. Once open, hours generally will be 10 AM to 9 PM daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The splash pad will be available to the general public at no charge. These regulations, among others, will apply: •
Kids under 12 must be supervised by adult
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Children not toilet trained must wear swim diaper
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No bathing, cleaning, bubbles or soap
▲ Conor Errey and Kristin Errey exit Bark Park in May with dog Stella. 6|
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