People often ask me if you can bring your dog to public events in Redlands. Here’s the legalese: A city ordinance prohibits animals to be present at any public assembly in Redlands, with the exception of service animals.
ADA rules do allow exclusion of a service animal if it is out of control or poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. This includes the ever popular Market Night on Thursdays and the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Series.
But, you can still enjoy walking your dog downtown and around historic Redlands. In fact, if you go downtown, be sure to check out the built-in tiled dog fountain at the entrance to Leroy’s Shoes and Clothing at 11 E. State St. People of my owner’s era will remember it as the entrance to Gair’s.
Maybe it’s my terrier genes, but I love to explore the Redlands Bowl the morning after a performance. A squashed Cheeto® on the sidewalk is way more tasty than the nutritionally balanced dog food I eat at home. Then we walk along Olive, Fern, Grant, Eureka, Alvarado, and Buena Vista so I can keep track of which dog, cat, or squirrel has left its scent on the sidewalk.
When it comes to doggy activities in Redlands, I have to include the new Redlands Dog Park, located at the northwest corner of Ford Park. Opened in 2011, the Redlands Dog Park is the culmination of many years of effort by Redlands residents to have a safe, enjoyable place for dogs and their owners to socialize and exercise off-leash. There are fenced areas for large and small dogs with plentiful grass, water, newly planted trees, and benches for their owners.
Much of the funding for the Redlands Dog Park comes from RUFF—the Redlands Unleashed Fido and Friends group. Visit the Dog Park Website to learn about the Park and how you can support this great canine community!
Will you see me at the Park? Occasionally. Before the dog park was opened, there were two incidents when I was walking with my owner, and loose dogs approached me and bit me. OUCH! Both times, the biting dogs had been turned loose in elementary school playgrounds. I’m glad the Redlands Dog Park is available now, but I’m rather fond of the parking lot, where the scent of squirrels abounds.
I’ll see you out walking and hiking!
Woof!
Scruffy