Where will West Seattle’s second dog park be? 2 sites identified as potential off-leash areas

11:18 AM: Seattle Parks has unveiled its whittled-down list of potential sites for new dog parks around the city. They have funding to design and build two – and to design a third; funding stipulates that one of the two has to be in West Seattle, which has only one off-leash area, at Westcrest Park in the southeast corner of the peninsula. The citywide list was presented last night to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners. We watched the meeting, which was held at Parks HQ downtown and streamed online. This item started at about 1:20 into the meeting:

The Parks project team explained that the nine “preferred” sites citywide were from the original list of 30. One of the criteria to make the final cut: They needed to be sites already owned by the city. Here are the two in West Seattle:

Upper Lincoln Park – This site is a grassy area south of the sports field. Parks staff noted that the grass is worn in the area and that suggests to them that the area is already being used as an unofficial dog park. Here’s what was shown at the meeting:

West Seattle Stadium – This site is actually south of the stadium, west of the golf course, and downhill/east of Rotary Viewpoint Park. Parks staff noted that one big challenge would be parking, as the stadium/golf course lot fills up during event times. Here’s what was shown at the meeting:

(More than a decade ago, at least part of that site was proposed for a driving range, ultimately scrapped.)

As noted on the Parks website, the department also studied proposed sites at Me-Kwa-Mooks, Hamilton Viewpoint, and Delridge Community Center (we first reported the study sites in March; most had been suggested by community members). The briefing was relatively short, as they went quickly through the full list of nine sites. Next step is an online survey that’s supposed to start today – we’ll add the link here when available.

11:51 AM: Here’s the survey link.

121 Replies to "Where will West Seattle's second dog park be? 2 sites identified as potential off-leash areas"

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul June 9, 2023 (11:23 am)

    May as well cross Lincoln off that list. Horrible idea for multiple reasons. Major one is it’s nesting habitat for owls. I have over a decade of data so. Good luck. 

    • Josh June 9, 2023 (12:14 pm)

      Seeing as upper Lincoln park is already used as an off leash dog park designating a specific area would be protective to the wildlife there as the entitled dog owners would no longer have a justification for having their dogs run free throughout the park. 

      • Kersti Elisabeth Muul June 9, 2023 (1:17 pm)

        Have you seen what off leash parks look/sound/smell like ?!Not happening 

        • Cc June 9, 2023 (4:47 pm)

          I walk dogs there but in the middle of the park is just a terrible idea. It would ruin the whole park. If it really really really had to be put it on the edge.

        • Josh June 10, 2023 (12:31 am)

          I despise dog parks and dog owners just as much as the next faux environmentalist and I agree that dog parks are gross but the point remains: your owls and eagles are being harassed and harangued by the dogs of the entitled whether you like it or not. Might as well contain them while we have a chance. 

      • Jimmy June 9, 2023 (3:47 pm)

        Yep, you said it , tons of people already allow their dogs to be off leash in that grassy area. I kept my dog on the leash 100% of the time and didn’t like big random dogs coming up to us during our walk or random dogs running towards me when I was just walking on my own. This is an awful idea!

      • Jerry June 12, 2023 (9:26 am)

        Agreed. However I do worry about the wildlife disruptions from even more entitled dog owners who will view the fence line to a dog park as a “suggestion.” I would love love love to see some of these Karen and Ken’s get tickets.

    • John June 9, 2023 (12:28 pm)

      Couldn’t agree more! Linkin Park is a treasure something has to be done to hold Parks accountable for their continued incompetence and poor decision making

      • James June 12, 2023 (8:11 am)

        NO to Lincoln Park having more dogs! It’s a wreck with the off leash offenders as it is! 

    • Carson June 9, 2023 (12:41 pm)

      Kersti, if you haven’t heard this recently, you are a true asset to our community! You go! 

    • Bret Barnecut June 9, 2023 (1:13 pm)

      I’m down with the driving range/dog walk  concurrently option. Thinking about all the dogs who are(justifiably) irked at their owners being on their devices instead of paying attention to their “better half”(or their surroundings) and what dog wouldn’t love a plethora of balls put in motion with concentration and gusto instead of half-hearted obliging indifference.

    • Jay June 9, 2023 (2:09 pm)

      Totally agree with Kersti, horrible location!

    • Kingfisher June 11, 2023 (9:22 am)

      I fear this current Seattle Parks administration is not up to the job of long-term thinking here, and we may need a coalition to go all-in to stop this at Lincoln Park, as we did 20 years ago when Seattle Parks was about to turn the entirety of Westcrest Park into an off-leash area including the forest (true story).  That Lincoln Park would even be considered for an OLA is mind-blowing. It should not even be on the table. A new OLA should be sighted in an area where direct and indirect impacts to wildlife habitat, wildlife connections, and passive recreation are minimal. An OLA doesn’t just denude the landscape within its fence boundaries–the impacts extend far beyond that fence. There’s an assumption that an off-leash area in a park relieves pressure and reduces illegal off-leash activity elsewhere in the park and in other regional parks. Unfortunately, the data clearly shows the opposite. The Parks Dept has known this for 25 years. It’s one of the reasons they started with a pilot program back then, to measure violations over time and assess if it was meeting their intended goals. As in other cities before them, their data showed that the presence of an OLA at a park INCREASED off-leash activity elsewhere at that park. They decided to expand the pilot program anyway, but at least back then were thoughtful about where to put them and Lincoln Park would never have been on the short list. It also truly bothers me that Parks staff would say “the grass is worn in the area and that suggests to them that the area is already being used as an unofficial dog park. ” Then enforce your own rules! This grassy area is the best picnic spot in the park, the best spot too spread out a basket and read, for toddlers to run through the grass, to watch the woodpeckers, to play pitch and catch. It wasn’t until the last few years that irresponsible dog owners began illegally letting their dogs off-leash here and on the trails at Lincoln, making it a lot less usable and peaceful for the rest of us. Why? No enforcement. As a dog owner myself, it is very frustrating to walk my dog on-leash at Lincoln and have loose dogs running up to us and jumping on us. As a parent with a child who is afraid of off-leash dogs, Lincoln Park has gone from being a peaceful haven to a place we have to always be on the lookout for loose dogs. My child had a full-blown panic attack there recently being chased by an off-leash dog on one of the trails,  and the selfish owner just laughed at us. And the data clearly predicts that if there is an OLA at Lincoln, this off-leash activity will only INCREASE.If you are concerned, take the survey, call the Parks Dept, and call your city council members. Call Seattle Audubon and urge them to get involved. Because the city doesn’t often hear from the silent majority who uses parks like Lincoln for passive recreation and respites in nature. But they hear from the OLA lobby often, you can be sure. 

  • lucy June 9, 2023 (11:51 am)

    Does this mean the incidence of off leash dogs will decrease in our other parks and especially the beaches?

    • flimflam June 9, 2023 (2:01 pm)

      Nope, dog owners that flout the rule, leash laws, etc will likely still act as the entitled folks they are.

  • sam-c June 9, 2023 (11:53 am)

    Of these 2 options in the narrowed down list, I feel like the stadium option makes the most sense.  It’s nearer to denser areas of WS.  People who have dogs nearby might not have as much area for them to run around at home.  Plus the site might be in (dog-)walking distance to more dogs.   I don’t know if the Lincoln Park makes as much sense.  From what I gather in comments here and there, dog owners justify their use of cemeteries/ school playgrounds as unofficial OLAs because “Westcrest is too far south/ so far away.” Lincoln Park is ‘south’ too.  (BTW, that “Westcrest is too far” is NOT my opinion; I find Westcrest to be close enough, Magnuson & Luther Burbank are ‘far-away’ dog parks in my mind).  Bummer that the 2 WS options don’t include any water access for dog swimming.

    • Jim June 9, 2023 (12:26 pm)

      It’s a very short drive to marry more Park over in Redmond which has that kind of stuff in abundance

      • Neighbor June 9, 2023 (3:43 pm)

        Short drive from where?  Bellevue?

        • sam-c June 9, 2023 (4:56 pm)

          Actually went to Marymoor recently. On a weekday afternoon at 5pm, the drive was 30 minutes.  The westbound traffic on 520 at that same time was gridlocked, however.  Also have happened to take a recent trip to Mercer Island (ie, where Luther Burbank park is) and it was just under 20 minutes.  So, basically maybe not that long of a trip on a good day.  Takes me the same amount of time (or longer) to get from one end of WS to the other.

        • Dog Lover June 12, 2023 (11:57 am)

          LOL!

      • Try to get to Marymore by bus June 9, 2023 (5:42 pm)

        @JIM “It’s a very short drive” is part of the challenge of getting to Marymore. To drive you need a car and then you have to use it to get there. You can’t easily get to Marymore Park without a car from Seattle. As a city and county, we are trying to reduce car use not increase it.

        • Alki resident June 9, 2023 (7:54 pm)

          As a car driver , I’ll go wherever I feel like in the moment. We should enjoy parks near and far. No different than the thousands who come from all over, to see Alki. 

  • junction park June 9, 2023 (12:16 pm)

    To me the most obvious site is not on the list- the landbanked “future park” located just west of the Whittaker apartments/Whole Foods is perfect for this. Close proximity to density, no conflict with existing park users, and the size is just right for a dog park. This site is poorly suited to be a traditional park- being in a dense urban area, it will likely attract “campers”, plus it receives limited sunlight due to the topo and surrounding large buildings so maintaining grass will always be a challenge here if they turn it into a traditional park.  Put down sand and some benches and lets the dogs run.

    • WS Neighbor June 9, 2023 (2:52 pm)

      This makes sense!  Please explore this option

    • Admiral E June 9, 2023 (3:04 pm)

      I was thinking the exact same thing

    • Junction dweller June 9, 2023 (4:51 pm)

      I have always thought this new park should be a dog park. It would keep out the campers. And it’d be great to go visit all the dogs. 

    • Chuck June 9, 2023 (6:09 pm)

      The rules regarding a designated dog park are pretty specific in Seattle.   They can only cover a certain percentage of the area in a given open space.  I believe it’s around 20%.   You wouldn’t be able to just fence off the four sides of a lot and use the entire space for dogs. This was brought up when planning and design for the yet to be built park at 48th and Charlestown was considered.  That city owned lot is around 10k square feet and would have only allowed for a 2000 sq ft dog area.  This is due to sanitation, ground water, and the materials used in the dog area are designated “impervious”.   I believe the lot near the Whitaker is even smaller.   Another issue of consideration is parking, as any dog park is going to have dog owners driving to it to utilize it.  

      • Kyle June 10, 2023 (1:38 pm)

        Regrade park downtown is 80-90% an off leash area for dogs.

  • SLJ June 9, 2023 (12:18 pm)

    Too bad Me-Kwa-Mooks didn’t make the cut. It’s got an open area and trails through the trees, street parking, is located furthest from Westcrest, and is rarely used by any people. It’s almost always empty when I’m there.

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (9:23 am)

      That’s because it’s not convenient and too far out of the way! Lincoln park is a great idea

  • DD June 9, 2023 (12:34 pm)

    People and pooches are already using Hamilton Viewpoint’s upper and lower grassy areas as “leash free”. 

  • Dog overpass June 9, 2023 (12:40 pm)

    How about dogs swim off the platform at Jack Block?  Area is being rebuilt at some point.  There is a dock over the water.  Modify it for dogs to easily climb out of the water.  

    • Kersti Elisabeth Muul June 9, 2023 (1:16 pm)

      It’s illegal and it’s port property, was never an option. 

    • Pinto June 10, 2023 (1:59 pm)

      That’s a thoughtful solution. We need more of that. Less of the haters complaining without providing solutions. Dogs are not going anywhere – nor are crappy owners.                           Wondering how many people (or owls) have been hurt by dogs compared to being hurt by humans. It seems like if we’re going to limit anything in the parks – it should be people

  • Max June 9, 2023 (1:16 pm)

    Lincoln Park is already an unofficial off leash dog park. I walk there almost every day with my dog on a leash. Sometimes there are more dogs off leash than on.

  • Dog Boy June 9, 2023 (1:17 pm)

    Well, considering the population growth in West Seattle over the last 10+ years, we should have three more dogs park in addition to Westcrest! But the City is so dysfunctional that we will be lucky if one of these sites actually gets developed as a dog park!

  • anonyme June 9, 2023 (1:28 pm)

    Lincoln Park is a HORRIBLE choice for an OLA.  As Kersti pointed out, this is a nesting area for a lot of birds, including owls.  The off-leash problem at Lincoln Park is already significant, and making one section of the park off-leash would only exacerbate the problem park-wide.  

  • pop up dog parks June 9, 2023 (1:37 pm)

    I wish parks would follow Kirkland’s lead and build some temporary one season “pop up” off leash areas to see how they get used and then use that data to inform where these much needed dog parks would be most utilized.Off leash dogs are an issue in our area for families with young kids and many more.

  • Ant June 9, 2023 (1:52 pm)

    I suppose I’m an elitist, NIMBY homeowner who thinks a dog park should be your backyard instead of public property? 

    • Not everyone owns a house June 9, 2023 (2:43 pm)

      Not all dog owners have yards or space at their apartments.  Your elitist’s privilege is showing.

      • LivesInWS June 9, 2023 (10:23 pm)

        Responsible dog owners make sure they can provide what the dog needs before getting a dog. If all you have is an apt, unless you have a tiny pup that’s a reason to hold off getting a dog. I’d love to have a dog now, but know that I don’t have enough room to give a dog a good quality of life — so having a dog will come sometime later for me. As for self-identity, hey, we’re supposed to be believed when we self-ID ourselves as what we’re not! (lol). 

        • Periwinkle June 9, 2023 (11:30 pm)

          I am a home owner and have a decent sized yard for my 50 lb dog, and she still needs time off leash around other dogs. I know some dogs are cool just having off-leash time in their own yard, but lots of dogs need to go out and play/run with other dogs, especially when they’re young.When I lived in Manhattan, I was surprised at how happy and fulfilled all the dogs seemed. Since there were no backyards, their owners were forced to take them on 4 + walks a day, so everyone was well-socialized and well-exercised. 

        • Alki resident June 10, 2023 (7:29 am)

          Not everyone starts out in an apartment and move to a house. Sometimes it’s the opposite. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having a dog in an apt. People living in apts deserve a dog just as much as if they lived in a house. It’s a companion, plain and simple. 

          • PDiddy June 10, 2023 (1:42 pm)

            Disagree. I have had to suffer the constant barking of a neighbors dog in an apt especially when they are gone. its awful.

          • Countrydogowner June 11, 2023 (7:21 am)

            Nobody ‘deserves’ a dog. I lived in a city for 20 years and wanted a dog, but where I lived and having to leave it alone so much, is not good for any dog no matter their size. When I go back to the city, you can hear all the dogs barking from apartments, completely stressed. The owners then take them out for their ‘daily walks’ around the neighborhood looking like stepford dogs. Dog parks are a city thing and they are horrible. Vaccinated? sick? Aggressive? Who knows but any responsible dog owner knows not to go to dog parks. This is not about who deserves a dog, it should be about doing right for the dog.

    • Amy June 9, 2023 (2:49 pm)

      It’s great you can self identify yourself. 

    • Neighbor June 9, 2023 (3:46 pm)

      Yes, you are.  But admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery.  As a next step I suggest thinking about others.  Such as people who live in apartments or houses that don’t have yards.  You shouldn’t have to go too far to see an example of such a place.  And if you say a dog requires a yard then you are indeed an elitist.  Do you use public property for anything or do you live your whole life on “your” property?

    • Ok June 9, 2023 (4:33 pm)

      Playgrounds too – keep those obnoxious little monsters out of our public spaces!What other public amenities could we get rid of because you don’t use them personally? 

      • John G. June 10, 2023 (12:04 pm)

        Right? These people who want no public space for anything unless they personally use it are really telling on themselves. 

  • WSDUDEMAN June 9, 2023 (1:58 pm)

    I’m already looking forward to the grand opening in 2038.

  • LPneighbor June 9, 2023 (2:16 pm)

    There are other animals that must be protected in this park. Here is an owl I came across last week in Lincoln Park on June 2.

    • Just curious June 9, 2023 (4:44 pm)

      Aren’t barred owls non-native?

      • SlimJim June 10, 2023 (9:59 am)

        No. Barred Owls spread here naturally. That doesn’t make them non-native.

        • Kersti Elisabeth Muul June 10, 2023 (7:27 pm)

          Humans spread east and barred owls came with them. They are not native, but then again neither are most of us.

          • SlimJim June 11, 2023 (9:37 am)

            If an animal’s range changes due to human activities and it move into areas where it didn’t occur before does that make them non-native? If Black Phoebes or other “southern” birds start nesting in B.C. due to global warming, does that mean they aren’t native there? Birds ranges change all the time. The idea of being “native or not” isnt very useful.

  • Azimuth June 9, 2023 (2:21 pm)

    Do both

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (9:33 am)

      Amen

  • revilo June 9, 2023 (2:37 pm)

    every park in Seattle is a dog park.

  • KB June 9, 2023 (2:47 pm)

    A few factors sway me toward West Seattle Stadium even though I live closer to Lincoln Park:1) Lincoln Park is just as far south as Westcrest Park so doesn’t solve the problem of proximity for a large swath of West Seattle.  2) Given the density of the junction, West Seattle Stadium seems like a logical choice to serve the many apartment-residing dogs in that area (especially since many residents in that area do not own cars to transport their dogs to Lincoln Park).  This will be even more true when light rail eventually comes.3) The wildlife concerns at Lincoln Park noted by Kersti.Just filled out the survey to voice my opinion!

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (9:35 am)

      Last I checked dogs don’t fly! Your clearly grasping at straws here because there’s no good reason to say no

  • Regular Guy June 9, 2023 (2:58 pm)

    Please leave Lincoln Park alone.

  • AI June 9, 2023 (3:35 pm)

    No to Lincoln Park. During my visits with my leashed dog, I have frequently encountered off-leash dogs with owners nearby in the proposed area. Despite my understanding of well-behaved off-leash dogs, some owners are not aware of the discomfort and anxiety it causes others around. It becomes difficult to navigate around these situations and creates unnecessary stress. I believe An official OLA in this area could potentially exacerbate the current situation, rather than improving it.

    • Ok June 9, 2023 (4:35 pm)

      You don’t have to go inside the fenced dog park if you don’t want to. 

      • AI June 10, 2023 (6:51 pm)

        Thank you for taking the time to provide your insight. I appreciate your clarification that entering the dog park is optional. Your input has been helpful.

  • PDiddy June 9, 2023 (3:41 pm)

    As much as I dont really want any dog park I understand the desire for this. But I also think the Park Rangers need to hold the dog owners accountable. Every time I am at Alki beach I always see off leash dogs on the beach where they are totally forbidden. Im not sure that we need a off leash park given the many dog owners don’t respect the rules to begin with and just do what they want. Not sure they will bother to go to an official one. There is even one jerk I see on Alki drive who takes his several dogs over by the sidewalk lets them poop and then heads back to his townhouse with no cleanup. Saw 2-3 different piles in one incident alone. I know not what this is about but it makes me mad when I see this sort of stuff. I think he was around 1178 address. Been a bit.

  • Kersti Elisabeth Muul June 9, 2023 (3:53 pm)

    I have brought this to the attention of my conservation committee so we can draft a well-informed, data based statement. Also, anyone interested in joining a group with me to discuss the ecological impacts, etc or anyone with historical knowledge and data etc that wants to get involved or learn why this is such a horrible idea, please email me at:kersti.e.muul@gmail.com

    • WS Runner June 10, 2023 (11:10 pm)

      Thank you! Youth and adult runners aren’t wildlife, but this proposed area for an off leash park is currently utilized by local schools and running clubs regularly. It is part of the beloved Cross Country course.

      Lincoln Park is a lovely place to walk, stroll and jog. Even with dogs, on a leash! Thank you for supporting the preservation of the habitat for owls and humans alike! 

  • 2cents June 9, 2023 (4:03 pm)

    Me-Kwa would have been ideal, it’s not often used, but folks walk their dogs along alki often and it’s in an area underserved by options.

  • Tracey June 9, 2023 (4:35 pm)

    I don’t have a dog.  I used to have a dog.   I love dogs.  Dogs need places to be dogs.  Lincoln Park is a bad idea.  In fact, Seattle’s entire idea of what a dog park is is a bad idea.  Some dogs like to run and roam and sniff not play with others.  Think outside your box Seattle Parks.  Have you looked at what other cities have accomplished?

    • DH June 10, 2023 (7:20 am)

      @Tracey. Can you be more specific about what you do want? There are many other cities. It would help if you  shared what you are looking for in a dog park. I’ll admit I’m curious because the way you frame it sounds like an excuse for someone to have their dogs off leash in on leash parks  because the dog parks have ‘too many other dogs’ for example. 

      • Tracey June 10, 2023 (5:25 pm)

        Here is a good example.  See the link below.  All orange areas on the map are off leash dog areas or dog parks.  You can click on an area and refer to the map scale to see the enormous size.  The off leash areas are not fenced in, have trees and brush to sniff and some even have river access.  Sometimes you won’t even encounter another dog there.  These off leash areas can be distinguised from dog parks for play as they are simply areas you can take your dog for a walk off leash and it is legal.  In addition, this city has 19 pop up dog parks in under served areas.   Seattle’s fenced in mud pits are not comparable to this beautiful, well thought out network for people and their pets.
        https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/off-leash-sites

        • Tracey June 10, 2023 (9:56 pm)

          So, in case anyone actually reads these posts, the city above has 50 OLAs and 19 pop ups with a smaller population.  If you factor in the size / square footage it puts Seattle to shame.   Density = people + their pets, kids, cars and bikes.  Not just the people.  Seattle hasn’t and will never plan for the full impact of its choices.  What makes a city liveable / enjoyable to you?  I don’t just need a house.

        • Carol June 13, 2023 (8:28 am)

          Thanks for sharing this info about Edmonton’s  dog parks.  It was full of great ideas and alternatives compared to how it’s done here and other U.S. cities.  

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (9:52 am)

      It’s less than 1/50% of the park! You’re just being absurd 

  • Arash Sarraf June 9, 2023 (5:08 pm)

    No more dog parks until you open the kid areas!! this is ridiculous and shouldn’t even be in discussion. 

    • WSB June 9, 2023 (6:37 pm)

      As delayed as it has been, now that the Lincoln Park South Play Area has gone to bid, it will beat the dog park projects, as the “public engagement” process is just.a prelude to design, and then bidding, construction, etc.

      • WS Neighbor June 11, 2023 (11:27 am)

        Too bad. That area has become a wasteland and would be ideal as a dog park now. Do you know whether that was considered?

  • Gaslit June 9, 2023 (8:18 pm)

    Something I find fascinating is the arrogance and misplaced faith in the city of Seattle. If they have identified Lincoln Park as a finalist site, then there’s a 50/50 chance that it will be selected. Information about owls may carry the day, but the thought that the city cares one iota about public comments is laughable. Government has used climate change concerns as their justification for many things, yet most of their “traffic calming” initiatives have created more idling cars and emissions than the previous situation. Deciding that anything different will happen here is delusional folly. 

    • WSB June 9, 2023 (9:03 pm)

      Yes, he city does respond to public comments in at least some cases. Were you here for another chapter in Lincoln Park history, the GoApe plan that was pretty much a fait accompli until it was daylighted? Concerned community members pretty much shouted it away. Coverage archive:
      https://westseattleblog.com/category/lincoln-park-zipline-proposal

      Other Parks proposals that have died in the face of community opposition included a skateboarding feature at Myrtle Reservoir Park and a play feature at the parklet next to Admiral Church, and those are just a couple I remember vividly from contentious public meetings.

      • Kersti Elisabeth Muul June 10, 2023 (6:55 am)

        And they sure responded to public outcry and my scientific report regarding the tree cutting plan in Lincoln. 

      • Denise June 10, 2023 (9:48 am)

        Yes, we stopped the zip line. In the nick of time, with great effort, and with a lot of luck that it leaked before it was too late.  Then, for the next ten years, we spent hours with Parks, going through the Lincoln park practically inch by inch, communicating how special it is and how much we value it. We wrote letters, posts, went to meetings, all to communicate the importance of natural parks to Seattle citizens. And now it feels like none of that effort sunk in at all.  If one special-interest group with a lot of members and funding wants to take a bite out of nature for high-impact use, Parks won’t just say no.  They’ll study it and put it for for comments, knowing full well that 100% of the special-interest group’s members will comment in favor,  but most other people probably won’t even see the comment form, because they’re busy, the school year is ending, vacations, etc. It’s so upsetting. 

    • Denise June 10, 2023 (9:37 am)

      Just the fact that Lincoln is even considered, much less the most beautiful meadow area in the middle of the park with habitat and drainage issues tells me the people in charge of stewarding Seattle natural treasures are not doing their job.  Catering to one special-interest group with such a high-impact project in such a sensitive, precious piece of nature tells me they simply are not up to the job. The first rule they should follow is not to ruin parks with their so-called improvements.

      • Jerry June 12, 2023 (9:49 am)

        If they try to put it in, I will organize protests. 

        • Carol June 13, 2023 (8:34 am)

          My husband and I will be right there with you Jerry!   This insanity will not be allowed to happen.

  • Keep it Wild June 9, 2023 (8:56 pm)

    If dogs need a place to run and play, find a big, flat area with no owls and eagles in the trees to bother or water runoff to contaminate with their poo.  Change the regulations so that unused commercial lots can become the OLA play space.  Then when the dogs are tired, the dog owners can take them on a leash to a beautiful place for all creatures.

  • KJ June 9, 2023 (9:38 pm)

    Thank you for covering this, WSB. I hope everyone who comments here takes a moment to respond to the city’s official survey as well. 

  • 1994 June 9, 2023 (10:31 pm)

    How about placing the dog park along the long grassy area between Fauntleroy and the forest tree line?  The constant traffic should muffle the dog park noise. The dog park should have hours posted so it is not open too early and not too late.

  • 22blades June 10, 2023 (4:24 am)

    Article about dog parks gets twice the interaction as crime, homelessness, development, transit, traffic safety, accessibility, etc… First World Problems.

    • Barton June 13, 2023 (8:33 am)

      Probably because those other topics are the subject of daily posts and this is not …

  • Taxpayers June 10, 2023 (5:21 am)

    Owning a dog is a choice and a privilege ,so why is the city and the taxpayers have to pay for your dog parks??

    • Foop June 10, 2023 (4:18 pm)

      I don’t have kids, why do my taxes pay for school levy’s?

      • granted June 11, 2023 (9:10 am)

        Kids grow up into adults that can contribute to our society. Your dogs don’t.

      • Jerry June 12, 2023 (9:48 am)

        Its called living in a civil society. 

  • Eldorado June 10, 2023 (8:15 am)

    Lincoln Park is a hard ‘no’ for me… not that I get a vote or anything. This is a major habitat area for eagles, owls, raccoons, and people whom like beautiful parks like this one. There’s gotta be other ‘more appropriate’ areas for dog parks. 

  • Admyrl Byrd June 10, 2023 (8:38 am)

    Disappointed Hamilton didn’t get more serious consideration.  The grassy fields are rarely used and make ideal sites (as they are already).  Perhaps they were worried about the dogs getting high from all the other activity in the parking lot?

  • Jerry Simmons June 10, 2023 (8:41 am)

    As an owner of three dogs, I say stay the hell out of our iconic Lincoln Park. Why disturb the wildlife and the peacefulness that exists. I know we already have at least one off leash park already and perhaps that’s enough for the dogs. Put the money and resources elsewhere and maintain what we already have.

  • KT June 10, 2023 (8:44 am)

    And just a reminder that Lincoln Park is NOT an off leash dog park. Please show some respect for your neighbors and leash your dogs at Lincoln Park for their safety and that of dogs who are leashed. Saw two small untethered dogs harassing a larger dog this morning. The person with the loose dogs would not leash them despite the harassment and having a leash in hand. Luckily the larger, leashed dog did not respond to the yapping taunters.

  • Mmarie June 10, 2023 (9:02 am)

    No please to establishing this in Lincoln Park! The barking is already annoying when I walk there, and you want to multiple that. No thanks. dont know about WS stadium. Golfers usually want relative quiet and not barking… how about a walled ‘ play barge’ on the water? Joking…

  • suebhounz June 10, 2023 (11:28 am)

    having kids is a choice and a privilege, but the taxpayers still pay for that. whats up with that? having a car is a choice and a privilege but the taxpayers still pay for roads, whats up with that? we all, taxpayers, pay for things we dont use to make our society livable. OLA’s are one of those things

  • Jeremy Hulley June 10, 2023 (11:52 am)

    Hard no on Lincoln Park. I can’t imagine it would help with the irresponsible dogs owners that are problem now.

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (10:15 am)

      I have a special needs dog. I fought in war to protect your rights to complain. My dog doesn’t need to be on a leash according to the law. But because my illness isn’t visible like a wheelchair, you know how many time’s daily I have to remind the Karen’s of this fact and defend myself??? Constantly! You’re clearly uneducated and looking around you get mad at things you don’t understand. You should just mind your own business and stop trying to tell people what they can and cannot do

  • Payment June 10, 2023 (3:25 pm)

    Question to dog owners….how much are you willing to pay to use the private dog parks???$20 per hr???25$per hr??

  • KayK June 10, 2023 (3:28 pm)

    Agree @22Blades! Compare the comments on this issue perennially with meaningful comments on the D1 council race for example.

  • Survey Link above! June 10, 2023 (10:11 pm)

    Put your comments into the survey. I said no to Lincoln, Discovery and Ravenna. Not as familiar with some of the other sites but natural areas should be replanted- we are losing so much teee cover. Dog parks can go anywhere, makes more sense to join them with playfields (if there’s room) instead. Dog parks with trees preferably But we also need more playfields! Parks needs to get creative and the City needs to fund all the types of parks to stay current with the needs of our population. Natural areas should not be sacrificed. 

  • granted June 11, 2023 (9:19 am)

    No, you don’t get to take away one of our few remaining wild spaces so you can unleash your dog and sit on a bench.If your dog needs exercise, there are 2200 miles of sidewalk in the city. If you are too lazy to walk them, hire someone to do it for you.The rest of us do not owe your dog a playground.

    • Carol June 13, 2023 (6:47 pm)

      Well said! 

  • Gordon June 12, 2023 (6:41 am)

    “Please NO. Lincoln Park is the jewel of Seattle parks and this beautiful open space is part of the reason we love it so much. It is not just an expendable plot of land that is available for one purpose only, to be shut off from the rest of us who responsibly walk our dogs on leashes and love the open space as a peaceful sanctuary, where people bring their KIDS to run around, out of view of buildings and playgrounds, the smell of barbecues, and the sound of cars, motorcycles, and trucks trundling down Fauntleroy Avenue. It is a rare piece of open land in the park (and the whole of the city) where one can go with one’s family and look up at the sky in a woodsy environment, and imagine oneself in a meadow in the country. We love and cherish this RARE piece of land, currently open to everyone to cherish and enjoy. It is most stunning in the fall, when the leaves of the trees radiate brilliant color at one end of the space. Walking from one end of the field towards the grove is an experience we have enjoyed for decades. It is a multi-purpose area where we have gone to see Shakespeare’s plays. Put a muddy, noisy dog park there would ruin these experiences forever. Shame on dog owners who let their dogs off leash in Lincoln Park, but where is the enforcement? People already feel entitled to let their dogs run around leash-less, because nobody tells them they can’t and there are no consequences! And now are we to reward them for their callous disregard for the rules with this prime spot? It would make no difference if this space was closed off for this purpose only. They would still let their dogs off leash until the city finally enforces the rules. Let’s preserve this rare and unique environment for everyone, humans as well as properly leashed dogs, for families who want to have a peaceful place to let their kids run free. Please do not use this field as a stomping ground for dogs. It is there for everyone to enjoy!”

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (10:11 am)

      I have a special needs dog. I fought in war to protect your rights to complain. My dog doesn’t need to be on a leash according to the law. But because my illness isn’t visible like a wheelchair, you know how many time’s daily I have to remind the Karen’s of this fact and defend myself??? Constantly! Parks are public places and not for people like you to hoard

  • Jerry June 12, 2023 (9:46 am)

    Is the city out of its mind? Lincoln Park is hard no for an off leash dog area. For the love of all things: Please DO NOT DO THIS! It’s bad enough the current leash laws are not followed by so many entitled people, this would be a disaster. 

  • April June 12, 2023 (9:49 am)

    Lincoln Park! Yes! Finally. Been waiting for this for over 20 years!!!

    • Redneck June 18, 2023 (10:13 am)

      Amen

  • Comment in the survey June 12, 2023 (1:27 pm)

    Put your comments in the survey where they matter. WSB provided the link above. No dog park in Lincoln Park!

  • Senor Rafael June 12, 2023 (10:10 pm)

    Only if Lincoln Park had a section somewhere on the edge of the park.  But not running through the middle of the park! Yuck, gross, and I’m a dog owner. 

  • Kevin June 19, 2023 (8:03 am)

    This field is better than them using the soccer field.  I always kick them off the soccer fields when I see them.I don’t believe it will help that much to have a dog park here.  These bad dog owners will justify their illegal use of anything.We need the park rangers to enforce the leash laws.

Sorry, comment time is over.