Dogs are not allowed on the sandy beach area at Minooka Park when the beach is staffed with lifeguards or there is a 'swim at your own risk' advisory, says Ginny Bocek, a park program specialist for the Waukesha County Park System.
Dogs are also not allowed in the water where swimming is designated for people. There is a dog area away from the people swimming area where dogs can play in the pond, Bocek said.
The policy is dictated by a county ordinance that prohibits dogs or other animals from entering any public buildings, bathing beaches or picnic grounds in any park.
'A county ordinance was enacted to provide family-friendly beaches. Not all park-goers are comfortable with pets they do not know on the beach and in the water,' Bocek said.
The law also requires dog owners to have all dogs on a 6-foot lead while in county parks and to clean up after their dog.
The county operates designated dog swimming areas in Menomonee and Fox Brook parks, which are open during normal park hours and until the water freezes over. The county also maintains dog exercise areas at Minooka, Nashotah and Mukwonago parks, where dogs are able to run in open spaces.
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