The City Council amended a park ordinance allowing unleashed dogs in the natural areas and on the trails surrounding Buena Vista Park. Dogs are currently allowed off leash at the only location within city limits at S. Buena Vista Park. Many residents walk their dogs on the trails that connect the two parks in south Vista. Dogs are allowed to be off leash in the natural areas and on the trails in both parks from 7 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to dusk.
Signage is being created and will be installed to notify pet owners of restricted leashed areas around the duck pond. The Vista City Council approved an amendment to the ordinance during their August 22, 2017 City Council meeting and requested staff bring the amendment back a year later to review. The ordinance goes into effect on September 22, 2017. Plans are also in place to include a dog park in the Bub Williamson Park renovations taking place in 2018.