GLENDALE STUDIES OFF-LEASH DOG PARK.

Byline: Lee Condon Staff Writer

The dogs in Glendale want to run free too, so like a number of other cities, Glendale has a proposal to open an off-leash park.

Nello Iacono, the director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, said he and his staff are studying the idea of creating an area where people can walk their dogs without a leash.

They are looking at off-leash parks in the city of Los Angeles for ideas, he said. Other off-leash parks have been set up in Runyon Canyon, Silver Lake, Calabasas and the Sepulveda Basin.

``We need to talk to other cities with dog parks and see what kinds of requirements they have. There's questions about how big it should be and the amenities it should have, like trash cans, rest rooms, parking and fencing,'' Iacono said.

Finding space may be the biggest problem.

``Unfortunately we don't have an abundance of park land,' Iacono said.

City of Glendale park rangers now patrol local recreation areas and ask visitors to keep their dogs on leashes.

Councilman David Weaver, the owner of three collies, said he likes the idea, but wants it thoroughly studied.

``I would be concerned about the liability when you release a lot of dogs into one park. How do you monitor it?'' Weaver asked.

He also is concerned about setting aside park land just for dogs.

``We don't have enough park space for adults right now,'' said Weaver, who hosts a cable television show called ``Weaver's Dog House,'' which showcases dogs up for adoption at the Glendale Humane Society.

Kristina Kreyling, a professional dog walker, said she loves the idea and thinks dog owners would be willing to help the city monitor the park.

``There's a huge difference in the dogs when they are off the leash. It looks like they are almost smiling,'' said Kreyling, who was walking seven dogs at once on a giant leash at Brand Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Kreyling suggested the city could set aside a portion of Brand Park or Verdugo Park for a dog run.

Back in New York, where Kreyling is from, dog owners have to pay membership fees to use the public dog runs, and the dogs and owners are registered. That way people can identify problem dogs that should not be allowed to go off leash. A dog park association could make sure all the dogs using the park have received the proper shots.

Iacono said city staff expects to make a presentation on creating a dog park to the Glendale City Council later in the summer. So far, no sites have been picked and there are no cost estimates.

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Photo: Linked by the required leash, Jack Coogan of Claremont and Leo the dog enjoy an outing Wednesday at Brand Park in Glendale.

Hans Gutknecht/Daily News