Off-leash dogs and cyclists may be permanently allowed in Oakmont's Dark Hollow Woods

Cycling and dogs running off-leash might be a permanent fixture in Dark Hollow Woods in Oakmont as the recreation board pushes for a change in borough policy.

What was to be a six-month trial period to test the activities in the publicly owned park near Crystal Drive has now lasted more than a year. The park was split into two sections in June 2019.

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.

The current borough policy prohibits bikes in the park and dogs from roaming free.

The recreation board offered two surveys, one last November and another in February.

Recreation board member Ryan Erlich went before council in December to present the findings of the first survey, showing the majority of respondents were in favor of having bicyclists and off-leash dogs in the park.

He presented the combined survey results at Monday night’s workshop meeting.

With about 320 respondents, 59% supported off-leash dogs and 41% opposed; 75% said they support cycling with 25% opposed, according to the presentation.

Erlich said those opposed said they were concerned about safety for both residents and other animals.

Frequent park goers were more likely to support bikes and off-leash dogs, survey results showed.

The surveys were posted on the recreation board’s Facebook page as well as the borough website, surveymonkey.com and Nextdoor, a social networking service.

“The reason we went down this route was to try and create a solution that was good for everyone,” Erlich said. “Not just bikers and off-leash dog walkers, but also other folks that want to go to the woods and not run into a dog. If it’s just on-leash all the time, we’re concerned that you could run into an off-leash dog anywhere in the woods. I hope for a policy that tries to meet all constituents’ needs.”

Erlich said some of the signs used during the trial were vandalized, but there were no dog or bike issues.

Police Chief Michael Ford said his department has not been called for any dog or cycling incidents in the park since the trail started.

More permanent signs would be installed should the borough adopt a change for Dark Hollow.

Borough Solicitor Kate Diersen said there is an ordinance on the books prohibiting off-leash dogs in the park, but it does not prohibit cycling.

She noted changes would have to be made via ordinance, meaning council would first approve advertising it and could formally adopt the new law in September.

Councilwoman Sophia Facaros said she is comfortable keeping the ordinance the way it is and exploring other areas for off-leash dogs.

Borough Engineer Amber Yon said 10,000 square feet was earmarked for a dog park in the proposed kayak park along the Allegheny River.

That development, also referred to as Chateau Beach, is in the permitting phase with no construction expected until next year.

Council President Patricia Friday said she’s in favor of the changes to the park policy and believes it would provide opportunities for all borough residents to enjoy the recreation site.

Councilwoman Carrie DelRosso agreed, noting the two surveys and trial extension gave people enough time to provide input.

Councilwoman Nancy Ride requested Erlich provide a formal proposal for what the recreation board wants to do in the park instead of relying on presentations.

Erlich said he will abide and plans to request the time restrictions on bikes be lifted.