SALT LAKE CITY — Parley’s Historic Nature Park is advertised as one of the best off-leash parks in the city. But not anymore — at least temporarily. On Thursday, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a temporary order requiring all dogs to be leashed in the park.

Hey #SLC, we’ve got a beautiful, large herd of elk who have decided to winter in our Parley’s Historic Nature Park. To keep them and your dogs safe, we’re requiring dogs visiting the area to be leashed. Learn more at the link below. Happy trails and tails. https://t.co/ueQs2EW59m

— Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) March 3, 2023

 

Free-roaming dogs disturb the elk herd. Because of heavy snowfall this winter, the herd migrated from the foothills to Parley’s Historic Nature Park. This has, according to the mayor’s order, created safety and health concerns for dogs and people.

All dogs are prohibited on the South Loop Trail and other protected areas within Parley’s Historic Nature Park, according to city ordinance. 

The mayor’s temporary order is set to end April 30, 2023.

Related reading:

• Elk herd again on the move near Foothill Drive and Parley’s Canyon
• Herd of elk pushed away from I-80 and moved back into mountains
• DWR responds to bull elk stuck on cliff in Provo Canyon