LTE by Sage Ryen, July 4 edition The Mail | Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor: This is a call to action for the 47.2% of Colorado households that own dogs – and for everyone who believes Salida should be a more inclusive, dog-friendly community. It’s time to change our outdated ordinance that bans dogs in city parks and instead allow dogs on leashes, like the other towns in our region. 

Salida is currently the only municipality in our area with the strict “no dogs in parks” rule. Buena Vista, Leadville, Breckenridge, Frisco, Fairplay, Alamosa, Cañon City, Denver and Colorado Springs all allow leashed dogs in public parks. Why not Salida?

As a Farmers Market vendor, I witness the confusion and frustration this causes each Saturday. Local police and code enforcement officers routinely ask marketgoers with dogs – often tourists who can’t leave pets in hot cars – to leave the park. This not only creates a negative visitor experience but also results in a financial loss for vendors, the market and the city itself.

Salida presents itself as pet-friendly, yet nearly half of our dog owners (and many of our visitors) are told they cannot enjoy the market or live music in our parks, as well as other events if they have their dog with them.

We understand concerns about dog waste, and our proposal addresses them directly. With support from local donors, we plan to provide dog waste stations stocked with bags and receptacles. We believe responsible pet ownership can be supported through education, signage and shared community standards.

Some parents express concern about children playing on grass that might have dog waste residue. But let’s be realistic – our parks are already home to wildlife like deer, squirrels, birds and rabbits that leave behind their own droppings. Encouraging families to bring blankets for sitting is a sensible practice, regardless of whether dogs are present.

We believe that children, dog owners and all community members can respectfully share our parks. Let’s work together to make this happen.

We need more hands-on support to make sure this effort succeeds. Please contact  julieannmordecai@gmail.com.or Sage at 719 207-0807 if you can help.

Sage Ryen, 

Salida