Melrose Park Commission Rescinds Dog Ban at Mt. Hood

The Melrose Park Commission narrowly voted to rescind a at Mount Hood, according to multiple sources.

On Monday the Commission voted 3-2 to overturn the dog ban, as dogs will be allowed in the but not on the fairways or greens, according to Mayor Rob Dolan's blog. 

"The ban has been replaced by a compromise, and now dog owners as well as Golf Management, Inc., and city staff must all do their part to ensure that all parties—dog walkers, golfers, and those who are simply out for a stroll—can enjoy Mount Hood," wrote Dolan. "This means that dogs must be on a leash at all times, and dogs are not allowed at all on the fairways, greens, or roughs of the .

"Golf Management has the primary responsibility for enforcing these rules, and their staff will hand out cards to dog owners who are not in compliance, reminding them of the regulations. If dog owners do not cooperate, the police will be the second line of enforcement. Animal Control Officer Diane Kurkjian will also increase her patrols of the park."

Dolan attended the meeting and read a letter penned on behalf of interested parties seeking a compromise, according to a city press statement. Several components of the compromise include:

• Dogs are allowed in the non-golf areas of Mount Hood.

• Dogs are prohibited on the fairways, greens, roughs, and tees, but dog walkers will be allowed to use the road that crosses the eleventh fairway to access Slayton Tower, the Major Doak Weston Memorial and other nearby areas. 

• Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners must clean up after their dogs.

• Golf Management, Inc., has primary responsibility for enforcement of the park rules. If a park ranger sees a dog or owner violating the rules, they will hand the dog owner a card stating the rule and request that they comply. If the dog owner does not comply in a reasonable manner, the ranger will call the Melrose Police.

• The Melrose Animal Control Officer will patrol the park as part of her regular rounds.

• Repeat offenders may be banned from Mount Hood.

The committee also voted unanimously to establish a dog committee to enforce the rules, review the signage and revise the cards, if necessary, read the statement. Golf Management will file a monthly report regarding dog issues, the state notes.