The Town of Breckenridge has announced that the beloved Carter Park Dog Park has been closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions. According to their announcement, water quality tests showed high levels of fecal bacteria that made the area unsafe for dogs and their owners.

This is a direct result of owners not cleaning up after their pets, as required by the rules of using the park.

Comments on a Facebook post about the announcement reveal that the issue has been observed by many, with one poster reporting that they clean up more than a dozen poop bags that are left behind on a daily basis.

It’s no secret that Colorado is a state that loves dogs, but this case shows the importance of being a responsible dog owner. Minimize your impact in the outdoor space by picking up after your dog and properly disposing of the waste every time your dog poops.

Carter Park Dog Park is a one-acre fully-fenced space with a mountain view that was totally free to visit year-round and 24 hours a day. Hopefully it’s safe to reopen soon.