Oakmont council adopts ordinance permitting off-leash dogs, cycling in Dark Hollow Woods

Bicyclists and off-leash dog walkers can rejoice, as Oakmont Council has adopted an ordinance permitting both activities in Dark Hollow Woods.

The borough-owned park near Crystal Drive was split into two sections in June 2019 as part of a test requested by the recreation board.

Off-leash times were from dawn to 1 p.m. and on-leash from 1 p.m. to dusk in the southwest section of the park. The opposite times were in effect in the northeast section. Bikes were permitted throughout the park after 3 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.

Borough policy had prohibited bikes in the park and dogs from roaming free. Council officially changed that Oct. 19 via 5-2 vote.

Council members Sofia Facaros and David Brankley dissented.

Facaros said she was concerned about public safety and wanted dogs in the park to remain on leashes.

Leah Powers, council vice president and parks and recreation liaison, said the trial period has been successful, with many residents supporting it.

“I think the rec board came up with the best possible plan to make accommodations for everyone who wants to use the park,” Powers said. “In the trial period, things seemed to have gone well. Although I know we can’t please everybody, I think it’s a good option for everyone.”

Council opted to only pass the ordinance, keeping the trial terms in place. Official rules and regulations of the park are expected to be approved next month.

Council took action that way so the rules could be amended more quickly if adjustments are needed.

The recreation board offered two surveys, one last November and another in February. Recreation board member Ryan Erlich reported a majority of respondents supported both cycling and off-leash dogs in Dark Hollow.

The detractors cited safety concerns for both animals and residents as their reasons to keep the rules status quo.

Erlich was not at the meeting, but praised council’s actions with the park and nature preserve afterward.

“I am glad to hear council chose to continue the rules of the trial, which has shown to be a good solution over the past year,” Erlich said. “(We) look forward to implementing permanent signage throughout the woods to help visitors understand the new rules.”

Public attendance at the meeting was limited to 13 people, not including council and borough officials, due to covid-19 restrictions on indoor gatherings. People also participated via Zoom.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi received eight letters about the ordinance, which he read into the record at the meeting.

Six were in support of the change while one opposed and another suggested doing an impact study to gauge how cycling and off-leash dogs would affect park wildlife and property values.

Resident Robin Lazor wrote that she has had nothing but “peaceful and positive” experiences in the park during the trial period.

“This should be an easily supported decision for every council member,” wrote her husband, Tim Lazor.

Resident Jim Ritchie wrote that the recreation board’s surveys did not accurately reflect the opinions of the borough’s 4,500 residents, and people who want their dogs running off-leash should find a dog park.

“The bikes I can tolerate. The dogs I cannot,” Ritchie wrote.

No audience members in council chambers commented about the ordinance. One resident, Barbara Fisher, voiced her opposition via Zoom.

Fisher said she was walking in the park earlier this month when five dogs followed her.

“I promise you I don’t carry pork chops in my pockets when I go for a walk,” she said. “It is a safety issue. I’ve mentioned this to you before, and I would ask you to consider all of that.”

Fisher also reminded council that its members are elected to serve “the human population of Oakmont, not the canine population.”