Thanks to a recent vote of the volunteer-driven Bartlesville Park Board, dogs are now allowed to swim at the City-owned Lee Lake.
Popular with pet owners due to the proximity of the nearby Cooper Dog Park, Lee Lake is Bartlesville’s only in-town fishing lake. The lake is open to all types of non-motorized and non-wake forming watercraft, but swimming is strictly prohibited. While this will continue to be the case for humans, dogs are now able to swim in the designated swimming area at the lake, Community Development Director Lisa Beeman said recently.
“We had heard from several people requesting that this be considered, so earlier this summer the Park Board began looking at how we might incorporate this new policy,” Beeman said, noting the Board approved the measure during its June meeting.
“The Park Board felt this was a good way to give pet owners, who already heavily utilize this area due to Cooper Dog Park, an expanded opportunity to enjoy the Lee Lake complex as well as encourage continued use of the lake area,” Beeman said. “There are some restrictions in place, of course, to help ensure that the area remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
- Dogs are permitted off-leash in designated dog swimming area only
- Handlers must carry a leash with them at all times
- Only two dogs per handler are allowed off-leash at one time
- Handlers must maintain control of their dog at all times
- All dogs must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) at all times
- All dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the swimming area
- Handlers are responsible for voice, whistle or hand signal control of their dog when it is off-leash in the swimming area
- All dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated and must wear a collar displaying current tags and vaccinations
- Pinch or choke collars are not permitted
- Sick dogs and dogs in heat are prohibited
- Dogs under 4 months of age are prohibited
- Dogs are not allowed on the lake pier or dock
- Handlers and dogs must yield to watercraft crossing, entering or exiting the lake through the designated swimming area
- Dog waste must be picked up by the handler immediately and disposed of in the trash receptacles provided
“Handlers are also required to keep their dog on a leash until they can be sure of how their dog will react to the water and the surrounding environment,” “Beeman said.
Also, any dog displaying aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs must be immediately leashed and removed by its handler, Beeman said.
“We don’t anticipate any problems,” she said. “With only a few exceptions, local pet owners have shown themselves to be responsible and thoughtful of other people and the other dogs that will be using the area.”
For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 918.338.4238.