The Lower Merion Township Parks and Recreation Department has announced the opening of a new, fenced area at Rolling Hill Park for use by off-leash dog areas permit holders. The area is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. “Our crews are still cleaning up the area and plan to install some benches,” reported Lindsay Taylor, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Because this is a pilot program, water service will not be installed until the Board of Commissioners determines whether or not to continue the program.”

Lower Merion Township residents who would like to take advantage of the new designated off-leash dog areas available at Rolling Hill and West Mill Creek Parks may purchase permits for $25 per dog at both the Parks and Recreation and Police Departments.

Rules for the new fenced area at Rolling Hill Park are posted as follows:

• Only dogs with valid and visible off-leash permits from the Township are allowed off-leash in the fenced area.

• Dogs must be under control, including voice control, of their owner/handler at all times as required by Pennsylvania State Law.

• Dog owners/handlers are responsible for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.

• All dogs must wear collars with current rabies and permit tags visible.

• One adult may have no more than two dogs under their control and off-leash and must have a separate leash available for each dog.

• Dog owners/handlers must have their permit(s) attached to each leash and visible.

• Dogs must be leashed immediately at the first sign of aggression or unruliness and removed from the designated area.

• Dogs may not chase, hunt, or harass people, wildlife or other dogs.

• Dog owners/handlers must pick up and dispose of their dog’s excrement.

• Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park. All must enter through the double gate.

• No food, rawhide or glass bottles are allowed in the off-leash area

• No children under 6 years of age are permitted. Children 6 and older must be under an adult’s supervision at all times.

• Puppies under 6 months are not permitted.

• Dogs in heat are not permitted.

• Pinch and choke chains and spiked collars are not permitted.

• Dog owners/handlers must fill in any holes that have been dug by dogs under their control.

Should a dog owner/handler not adhere to any of the rules and regulations, their permit(s) may be revoked at any time. Permit applications can be downloaded from www.lowermerion.org by following the Parks and Recreation Department prompt to “Off-Leash Dog Areas.” They are also available at the Parks and Recreation or the Police Department offices during regular operating hours, Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Citizens with questions on this pilot program can e-mail recreation@lowermerion.org or call the Parks and Recreation Department at (610) 645-6220.