MORE DOG PARKS? City announces new study of potential off-leash areas (updated Tuesday)

(WSB file photo, Westcrest Off-Leash Area)

ORIGINAL MONDAY REPORT: Almost seven years ago, Seattle Parks and Recreation announced a plan that could lead to gradual addition of new off-leash areas. Now it’s announced a new plan – to study 30 sites around the city “that may have the potential to become future OLAs”:

Seattle Parks and Recreation is set to launch an Off-Leash Area study, which will be led by department subject matter experts. The study will look at 30 sites across the city that may have the potential to become future OLAs. Staff will examine each site from an environmental, engineering, geographic, equity, and dog behavioral perspectives. At the conclusion of this study, SPR will be able to present to the community a list of sites that we believe are feasible and most suited for future OLAs. The Seattle Park District provides funding for 2 new OLAs; from there the department will need to request additional funding to construct and maintain any additional OLAs.

West Seattle, as people with dogs know, has one city-run off-leash area, at Westcrest Park. A community coalition had been working on other potential sites, as reported here last year. The new city announcement did not include the list of potential sites to be studied, so we’re requesting that on followup.

ADDED TUESDAY: Parks says five West Seattle sites are on the list to be studied. They are at:

Lincoln Park
Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
Hamilton Viewpoint Park
West Seattle Stadium
Delridge Playfield

68 Replies to "MORE DOG PARKS? City announces new study of potential off-leash areas (updated Tuesday)"

  • Kyle March 6, 2023 (3:16 pm)

    Every time I go to any school/park open grass area, I see off-leash dogs.

    • Al King March 6, 2023 (6:14 pm)

      Kyle. Yep see them there too besides the beach. Common to see(leashed-most of the time) in Admiral Safeway also-no service dog vest in sight. City really has no dog rules they care to enforce. 

      • JJ March 9, 2023 (1:31 pm)

        Sounds like you should get a dog yourself, pal. 

    • IDC March 13, 2023 (4:53 pm)

      That’s because there are 150,000 dogs in the city (There are ∼50% more dogs than children in Seattle) and only 14 public spaces where they are allowed off-leash.As people increasing can’t afford homes with yards and get pushed into apartments and townhouses they have nowhere to legally take their dogs. We should institute dog hours at some parks so everyone gets to use our publics spaces. 

  • Md March 6, 2023 (4:44 pm)

    NPR today said Hamilton Viewpoint and Jack block park

    • WSB March 6, 2023 (7:38 pm)

      Those are two of the five sites the locals proposed
      https://westseattleblog.com/2022/02/another-dog-park-for-west-seattle-heres-whos-actually-working-on-it/
      Anyway, still waiting for the list from SPR, perhaps tomorrow.

      • Maddy March 7, 2023 (7:47 am)

        Are local West Seattle people still working on this? I heard that the effort fell apart due to lack of action. 

    • WSB March 7, 2023 (8:11 pm)

      I got the list from Parks today. Hamilton Viewpoint is on it but not JBP (which makes more sense, as JBP is not owned by the city). As added above:

      Lincoln Park
      Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
      Hamilton Viewpoint Park
      West Seattle Stadium
      Delridge Playfield

      • Al King March 7, 2023 (8:52 pm)

        WSB. Has parks made any mention of doing any enforcement of existing leash/no dogs on beach laws? Have they said what their position on existing laws is??

        • WSB March 7, 2023 (9:47 pm)

          The mayor promised in his State of the City speech to hire more than two dozen new park rangers.

        • FedUp March 8, 2023 (4:24 pm)

          I don’t believe the park rangers enforce leash laws.  When we asked before pointing to dogs on the soccer field at Lincoln Park they just shrugged.

          • WSB March 8, 2023 (5:20 pm)

            Whether they have or not, they can, per city website (although some of this language suggests they are only assigned to downtown, which is not supposed to be the case): “The Park Rangers actively support the Center City Parks Concierges and Seattle Parks activation programs in Seattle’s downtown core. The primary function of park rangers is to support positive use of our parks, to educate and assist park users and to seek voluntary compliance with laws and Park Code Seattle Municipal Code 18.12. They can issue warnings, citations and parks trespass warnings. They can be called on to address repeated Park Code violations or minor infractions, and will respond when available.”

  • Adam March 6, 2023 (4:56 pm)

    Seattle really does push the limits of the definition of “gradual”….until we get more options you can find me at the beach or inside a fenced-in baseball field, ignoring your ire.

    • Al King March 6, 2023 (6:20 pm)

      Adam. Ignore laws you don’t like? Does that apply to everyone else and any law they don’t like? Yeah, didn’t think so. 

    • Ts March 6, 2023 (6:52 pm)

      To each there own. Most fenced in fields are school property and do not allow off leash dogs. Hundreds of school kids deserve to have poop free playgrounds/fields and to not have their forgotten balls and frisbees chewed up and I deserve to not have to clean it up every morning as I do not own a dog, just love on other peoples.

    • SlimJim March 6, 2023 (6:56 pm)

      Entitled much?

    • flimflam March 6, 2023 (7:11 pm)

      nobody forced you to get a dog, you should be a good citizen/neighbor and follow the rules regarding your pet.

    • DB40 March 6, 2023 (7:32 pm)

      Yeah, right! The rules apply to everybody but you and and your doggie. Thanks for fouling our beaches, parks, and playfields. 

    • Dog Mom March 6, 2023 (7:35 pm)

      Ugh —I’m a true dog lover but I also love Little League. Maybe inside an empty tennis court but in baseball season, please not Bar S field down by Alki.. That is sacred groubd. 

    • Kyle March 6, 2023 (8:20 pm)

      Adam clearly doesn’t have kids who play baseball or soccer. And only cares about himself. Maybe his dog too.

    • reed March 7, 2023 (9:37 am)

      Ah here is Adam, one of our resident conservatives, showing that good ole conservative hypocrisy. Preach law and order, but only when it fits the right narrative.

      • CMT March 7, 2023 (3:03 pm)

        Must we bring politics into everything?  Plenty of jerks on the left and the right using spaces as offleash parks, among other things.

      • Wseattleite March 8, 2023 (9:45 am)

        Really Reed?

  • Fees March 6, 2023 (5:34 pm)

    Needs to raise the dog license fees to cover this mega project 

    • Jort March 6, 2023 (10:34 pm)

      “Mega project”?!?!!???!?!

  • Frank March 6, 2023 (5:56 pm)

    That won’t stop people from using Delridge field as an off leash dog park. It is so disrespectful to not only the community but also the field. Posted signs specifically say no dogs but rules don’t apply to these people.

  • Frog March 6, 2023 (6:31 pm)

    Typical bizarre Seattle.  I can’t think of an open space in West Seattle
    that is not already an off-leash dog park.  This study is a total waste
    of time and money, unconnected with reality.  If they want to study
    something novel, they should study parks and playfields to select one or
    two where leash laws would actually be enforced.

  • Vee March 6, 2023 (6:37 pm)

    I cant understand the righteous  attitude that no laws apply to them and let their dogs run on beaches and water and the baseball field especially  Bar s which recently put signs inside park to keep dogs off and they still do it, it’s not ok , you arent special,  you’re  attitude is selfish 

  • TW March 6, 2023 (6:59 pm)

    Maybe they will round up all the off leash dogs at Lincoln Park and put them where the south playground used to be.  It is clear at this point that Parks has no intention of replacing the playground…

    whereisourplayground.org

    • Jort March 6, 2023 (10:40 pm)

      There is no dog currently living on this planet that will still be alive by the time Seattle Parks Department — the most actually inept department in the city — actually builds one of these off-leash parks. By the time they do, in roughly 2074, it will have cost $14 billion and required 3 special levy votes. 

    • Molly March 8, 2023 (10:22 pm)

      No, seriously, the playground is left half destroyed there, like a tease of all the great times we used to have as a family there. They shut it down and claimed they’d redo it quickly. It’s been, what, 6 years? Insane. 

  • Chrissy D March 6, 2023 (8:29 pm)

    We were in Brooklyn last week and Prospect Park hosts weekly off leash opportunities, 100’s of dogs running around and everyone was getting along.

    • Nwe March 7, 2023 (3:24 am)

      I love this! So many other towns host dog hours at regular parks. 

    • Alki resident March 9, 2023 (1:59 pm)

      This is why my comment states this is a Seattle problem. Seattleites are very uptight and I don’t see that ever changing. 

  • Erin98126 March 6, 2023 (8:51 pm)

    Wow, I can’t believe all the dog haters here. You are missing the point of this story – which is for Seattle to create more off-leash dog parks where people can legally let their dogs run! You all think that people just let their dogs play at parks and school grounds because they are entitled?! It’s the complete opposite. There are no convenient, safe parks for dogs. Seattle is far behind other metropolitan cities in this aspect. Take a look around you. There are more dogs in Seattle than kids yet the city has to take years and years to “study” the “right place and need” for a dog park. Just put some dog parks in, for crying out loud, so there is space for dogs to run. I don’t have kids, yet I still pay a lot of money in taxes for schools. You dog haters can all return the favor and chip in a few bucks so my dogs can run a bit and I can get a little bit of joy at watching them. And no, I do not let my dogs run off-leash. And the majority of dog owners don’t.

    • Dog lover March 6, 2023 (9:10 pm)

      Well said! A bit tough to read the comments that are so hateful towards people who take their dogs to a park where they aren’t meant to. Yet when the city is offering a solution with great potential to reduce the issue they are so angry about, it’s suddenly not worth trying, waste of time, etc.. So glad I came across your comment.

    • Kyle March 6, 2023 (9:27 pm)

      Won’t everyone’s Parks taxes go to these OLAs too? I think the point is enforcement need to be part of the strategy too given the environmental impacts the minority of dog owners who ignore the rules inflict on the community.

      • FedUp March 6, 2023 (10:11 pm)

        I fully support more off leash dog areas but only because it might make a small dent in the off leash activity in this city.I no longer sympathize with the dog owners who knowingly break the rules and act like spoiled children when people tell them to knock it off.  Some of us are tired of getting attacked and bitten by horribly trained dogs with self entitled owners.  If you can’t own a dog legally (existing off leash areas, sniff spot, your back yard) then you don’t deserve to have a dog.It isn’t fair to the rest of us, including law abiding dog owners.

        • Dog lover March 7, 2023 (6:53 pm)

          I totally see where you’re coming from & understand. I think that with any proposed plans for a solution, it’s just important to remember things don’t happen overnight. Sure we will most likely still have those dog owners who choose to take their dogs to a non-dog park, but how much will the new designated dog parks reduce that? I guess I’m trying to say that I’m seeing this as the first step towards addressing the problem before moving onto the next step which I do hope & expect it to be a way to hold dog owners accountable for continuing to use non-dog parks after having designated ones out in place. Hope that makes sense!

          • FedUp March 7, 2023 (9:05 pm)

            They need to be held accountable now because they are endangering our kids.  My neighbor and I were both bitten at a school where dogs are banned.Most of these dogs aren’t even licensed.  Even if we have many more dog parks it won’t keep the selfish dog owners from continuing to use schools and play areas.We need to raise the fines and increase animal control patrols.  Maybe then people will think twice about getting a dog without taking on the responsibilities like an adult.

          • Dog lover March 7, 2023 (10:07 pm)

            If you were bitten then it sounds like you need to contact the appropriate animal services. I don’t know what responsible dog owner allows their reactive dog to be off leash. Irresponsible dog owners obviously seem to be the issue here so there’s no reason to attack the responsible ones who would be more than happy to go to a designated dog park. 

          • FedUp March 8, 2023 (7:54 am)

            We love responsible dog owners and I would actually prefer we allow off leash more often with off leash training and licensing (demonstrate excellent recall, etc).   I don’t think that would ever happen in Seattle unless we restructured enforcement to collect more fines.  Hell, I’d volunteer to lead training.Off-leash dogs have been an absolute nightmare for us in West Seattle.  I only consider a dog owner to be responsible if they follow the law, so even if they have perfect recall they are still irresponsible if they are doing it illegally. We have many dog owners in our neighborhood who walk their dogs on leash and drive to Westcrest.  They are respectful around our kids and are fantastic people.  I would love to help there people get a dog park, not the ones who have been outright hostile towards us for asking them to control their dog around us.

    • Tracey March 6, 2023 (10:24 pm)

      Thank you Erin.  Every other city I have lived in has had beautiful, well maintained and abundant dog parks.  Not mud fields without any trees that are overrun with dogs.  I don’t own a dog and I don’t have kids.  Would love some of my property tax increase for 2023 to go to our 4-legged friends.  Enrollment in schools is down and dog ownership is up…But I’m sure there is a reason why property taxes can’t fund dog parks.

    • Al King March 7, 2023 (7:07 am)

      Erin. Owning a dog is NOT a “right” it is a RESPONSIBILITY. If you’re unwilling to take your dog to a legal off leash area then clearly you’re NOT a responsible dog owner.

      • Bob March 7, 2023 (12:35 pm)

        Erin never said owning a dog was a right. She stated more off-leash areas would be beneficial and that Seattle lags behind other major cities in that aspect. Is your caps lock rebuttal centered on straw-man dog owners and not Erin? It would help facilitate a more healthy conversation if you framed it as such. As it stands, you sound like a bit of a Drama King, rather than an Al King. Be the despot you want to be.

    • newnative March 7, 2023 (2:39 pm)

      Erin98126, I don’t see any dog haters commenting. Not one. 

  • Azimuth March 6, 2023 (9:48 pm)

    I’ve been hoping for another dog park since I got my puppy. She’s 13 now.

  • Alki resident March 6, 2023 (10:04 pm)

    This is an uptight Seattle problem. We travel all over Washington, almost every weekend with our cat, and I can’t tell you how many people have dogs off leash in parks, fields,  property etc. You don’t hear all this nit picking and complaining like you do in this city. It’s also unreal how long it takes to provide off leash parks in Seattle compared to other areas. Seattle always has something to complain about. I miss my dogs, they were more clean and loyal than people. 

    • Nwe March 7, 2023 (3:27 am)

      I agree. 

    • Derek March 7, 2023 (7:51 am)

      Then don’t complain about the 72 hour parking rule if you think you’re above leash laws. 

      • Alki resident March 7, 2023 (10:36 am)

        I never have. My daughter gets tickets all the time because of her apartment having street parking only. At least she pays them…..not sure what parking had to do with leash laws but ok

    • Bronson March 7, 2023 (7:51 am)

      Sounds like there are irresponsible dog owners all over Washington then. Leashes are as much for your dog’s protection as it is others. A couple of weeks back we were coming around Alki Point and were surprised by a family with an off-leash American bulldog and of course, mine (on-leash) reacts. Fortunately, nothing happened, but there is no way the owner of that dog would have been able to stop theirs if so. And of course, as it goes with these entitled sorts, when confronted about putting the dog on the leash, they get all defensive about how great their dog is and how aggressive (she’s a small dog) mine is. Yeah, and mine is on a leash to protect her and your dog. Sigh… All it takes is one moment for your off-leash dog to react to another dog and everyone’s lives have changed. The entitlement of some dog owners in this city (and apparently state, given your comment) is something else. 

      • Bob March 7, 2023 (12:58 pm)

        I’m sorry to hear about this interaction as well as your dogs’ aggression issues, Bronson. I’d encourage you to check out one of the many wonderful dog trainers in the area. They can do a lot to help with that. It’s important to remember that while that owner was out of line in letting their dog off-leash, accepting our dog’s aggression as a funny quirk isn’t necessarily the appropriate path either. 

      • Alki resident March 7, 2023 (1:33 pm)

        Meanwhile at Ocean Shores where it’s legal to have your dog off leash at the beach. I see happy, free roaming dogs not killing each other or humans. Strange isn’t it?

        • Al King March 7, 2023 (2:11 pm)

          Alki Resident.  Great! All those wishing for off leash access can go to Ocean Shores. Problem solved.

      • Alki resident March 7, 2023 (2:35 pm)

        Bronson it’s easy to teach your dog to not respond to other dogs. Sounds like your dog is the aggressive one, get it trained. 

        • Leash your dog March 8, 2023 (7:14 am)

          No, not my dog. They all have different temperaments and some rescue mutts have bad histories that can’t be trained away. And some people don’t have the luxury (time and $$$) for a personal trainer. Mine does not do well at dog parks and is unpredictable on-leash. Leash or fence your dog. Dog fights happen quick, and as the person with the dog on the leash what can I do? You just try to get away but an aggressive dog will follow, and mine is protective. It’s happened, it’s traumatic and it’s preventable. 

      • anonyme March 8, 2023 (5:41 am)

        Everyone piling on Bronson is such typical Seattle BS.  Off-leash pit bull?  No problem.  Small, leashed dog reacting to potentially being ripped apart?  OUTRAGEOUS, I say!!  Something must be done about this ‘aggressive’ dog!!  Get a grip.  His dog had a normal reaction, which is just one of many reasons for leash laws.  Neither he nor his dog did anything wrong – it’s all on the other guy, under both the laws of common sense and of the municipality.

    • FedUp March 8, 2023 (9:04 am)

      If the off leash dog owners had better recall and were more aware of their surroundings (kids, elderly, on-leash dogs) it wouldn’t be as big of an issue.  Seattle has swaths of owners who simply don’t care to be safe here.I see off leash dogs in rural areas where the dogs stay close to the owner and don’t charge strangers.  It’s a different type of owner and culture than what we have here.

  • Rule Following Dog Owner March 7, 2023 (8:46 am)

    As a rule following dog owner, I’m so excited for this and my pup to have a place to run off leash. How can I help move this forward?   

  • anonyme March 7, 2023 (11:51 am)

    This “dog hater” argument is really tired and lame and needs to be put down.  The fact is that most people love dogs.  It’s the stupid, arrogant, entitled animal at the other end of the unattached leash that is deserving of contempt, not the dog.  Nor do I think that OLA’s will solve the off-leash problem, as it has more to do with attitude than opportunity.  As usual, humans are the weakest link.

    • CMT March 7, 2023 (3:06 pm)

      THANK YOU!  We have a dog that we love and is a member of our family . . . but a canine member.  Can’t stand entitled dog owners.

  • mc March 7, 2023 (3:45 pm)

    I would LOVE a dog park area that isnt just mud and rocks. Everytime I take my dogs to the off leash park is WS they come home with red sore paws. End up taking them to a park with a long leash and playing there. I think a few bad apples ruin it for everyone. Pick up after your dog and be aware of your surroundings. 

  • Mr J March 7, 2023 (5:31 pm)

    I love the common thread of dog owners and people with kids that have such a precious sense of entitlement that they are owed things in this world because of the decisions they’ve made. 

    • FedUp March 8, 2023 (8:39 am)

      Out of curiosity, what entitlement are you referring to with people with kids?

  • John March 8, 2023 (6:19 am)

    I occasionally let my friendly dog off leash when no one is around, jaywalk when no cars are coming, go five mph over the speed limit on the highway, and park the wrong way on the street outside my home!

    • Tracey March 8, 2023 (9:33 am)

      John…I love it.   Do you shovel your sidewalk when it snows or wait for it to melt?  Of course a good 2/3 of Seattle’s law abiding citizens wait for it to melt.  I bet all those 2/3 are dog owners recklessly allowing their friendly dog to run off leash.  

  • max34 March 9, 2023 (8:11 am)

    it’s crazy how many normal, well adjusted, reasonable people i meet on a regular basis in the neighborhood, and then i go to the comment section on WSBlog and Nextdoor….  it’s like every single person is a grumpy old man shaking his stick at the sky.  

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