DOG PARK: Next step toward West Seattle’s second off-leash area – ‘engagement event’ later this month

| Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(2023 Seattle Parks image of stadium study area for off-leash area)

Half a year after finalizing the location for West Seattle’s second off-leash area, Seattle Parks is inviting you to a “community engagement event” to find out more about it and offer comments. It’s set for 4-6 pm Wednesday, October 23, at West Seattle Stadium (where the new off-leash area will be created in the “unpaved overflow parking lot” south of the stadium). Parks’ announcement of the event says, “SPR’s project team and design consultant will be available to answer questions, present design concepts, and gather valuable community feedback (to) help shape the final design.” The announcement adds, “Attendees are also encouraged to bring their dogs on-leash in costume for a fun treat. SPR will be accepting pet food donations to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter at the event or you can visit seattle.gov/animal-shelter/get-involved/donate to donate.” Parks says the off-leash area “will include fencing, seating for pet owners, and an environmentally friendly stormwater bioretention area with thoughtful plantings.” The project page says Parks is currently aiming to build the new West Seattle off-leash area in 2026.

P.S. We asked Parks two followup questions about the October 23 event – where exactly at the stadium, and is it strictly “drop-in”? Spokesperson Rachel Schulkin replied, “The gravel overflow parking lot that is usually chained/blocked off. Take the turn off of 35th Ave SW down the driveway toward the stadium/golf course and it will be immediately on the right. We’ll be the first thing people see when they pull into the stadium/golf course driveway so it should be easy to find as if they use the address for the stadium/golf course. And yes, this will be a drop-in event.”

KK The 2 Dog Owner October 7, 2024 (4:09 pm)

I’m all for a second off-leash park but I very much doubt that will deter dog owners from taking their dog off-leash outside of the park. West Crest is a laughing stock with all the unleashed dogs outside the fences. “Boohoo bad dog walkers and bad dogs are in the dog park waaaaah”. I know that’s true too but how entitled and snowflakey can you get? “But my dog won’t bite/bark/jump/scratch…” just stop it. You look selfish throwing the frisbee for you 100lb dog on the field right next to a children’s playground right next to the fenced dog park.

Thank you!! I completely agree!!!! October 7, 2024 (5:12 pm)

If dogs don’t have enough space to throw toys and run then we need a bigger space for an off leash area. I hope Seattle parks will take these feedbacks and allot a bigger off leash area. Thank you for your support!!
- Dog runner October 8, 2024 (8:45 am)
  
  I disagree. I think people should reconsider getting high energy dogs if they need to run them off leash. I take my dog on runs with me (on-leash) to get his energy out, and never run him off leash in city parks or on fields. If you can’t keep up with high energy dogs, get a small leisure dog, or move out to the suburbs and get a yard.
- Joshua October 8, 2024 (11:35 am)
  
  Or maybe don’t buy an animal you aren’t prepared to properly care for. I don’t get why dog owners think that they are entitled to play fetch with their dog in the city. You bought something that does not make sense for your lifestyle so you demand the city accommodate your unnecessary whims?
  - Found the cat owner that lets them roam outdoors October 8, 2024 (1:35 pm)
    
    Entitled?!? What!? LMAO!!
    1. You think dog owners are entitled when most of them pay for dog licenses. Cats and dogs are both required to be licensed in the city as well as pigs and mini horses. Since dogs are the majority that are walked in public, license enforcement is higher for those. So yeah I guess we are ENTITLED to ask the city to invest back into what we pay.
    “I don’t get why dog owners think that they are entitled to play fetch with their dog in the city. You bought something that does not make sense for your lifestyle so you demand the city accommodate your unnecessary whims?”
    - By your clown logic, why should I subsidize childcare and school costs? I mean you are the ones who got a child that doesn’t make sense for their lifestyle so you demand the city accommodate your unnecessary whims!
    - Why are cat owners allowed to let their cats roam outside destroying the neighborhood and wildlife?! Talk about entitled much.
    - Latchkey October 9, 2024 (9:46 am)
      
      The “why should I pay for your child” argument is tired, children eventually give back to the community and economy, your dog only gives value to you. So yes, I shouldn’t have to subsidize your dog, the amount you pay for licensing your dog is miniscule, barely covers the animal control costs.
    - Bbron October 9, 2024 (12:00 pm)
      
      @Latchkey “children eventually give back to the community and economy” not always the case, for example: kids move after growing up all the time. a pet for emotional support could make it so a person living here now is able to contribute to the community.@Joshua having infrastructure for pets including dogs serves a public good, and it’s such a minuscule part of each person’s taxes (which are also paid by dog owners). a city is all about facilitating many lifestyles in one place; how does dog ownership not fit into the expectation of a city? are you only allowed a dog if you can afford a yard or a commute from the suburbs?
  - Laurijst October 8, 2024 (1:44 pm)
    
    “Unnecessary whims”?Part of choosing to live in a city is learning to accommodate other people: their culture, their music, their traditions, and yes, their whims because that’s what you signed up for. Sometimes people have parties and play loud music even when it’s getting a little late. If it’s happening all the time, that’s one thing. But if it’s a couple few times a year, you put up with it because you live in a city. Sometimes people have children and they’re noisy and messy and you share public spaces with them because you live in a city.I have taken my dog to mostly empty open spaces to play ball. If there are a lot of people there, we go somewhere else. If there are a couple of people with small kids I approach them and ask them if it’s OK and explain that my dog never jumps up on kids and is very friendly. If they object, I will go. 99% of the time, people don’t object. You might take a lesson from them.
    - anonyme October 8, 2024 (3:31 pm)
      
      Your comments absolutely reek of entitlement. You talk about magnanimity, but the world you describe revolves around you doing you regardless of the law, while daring everyone else to challenge you on whatever form of selfishness you’re currently indulging in. Living in a city doesn’t only mean having to put up with the bad behavior of others, it means being an adult and learning how to control your own. Grow up.
- KK 2 Dog Owner October 8, 2024 (12:46 pm)
  
  West Crest Dog Park has more than enough space for playing fetch with one’s dog. There will ALWAYS be an excuse for dog owners to not follow leash laws. It would be nice for the city to oblige more dog park options but that’s not priority right now, nor should it be.

ttt October 7, 2024 (6:02 pm)

Finally!!!!

NW October 7, 2024 (7:15 pm)

This area is busy with constant traffic and transit. The draw of traffic an off leash dog park will be substantial. Walking along the sidewalk and crossing the street as a result of all the heavy traffic is dangerous. Is this a good place to have a dog park?

Morgan Graham October 7, 2024 (7:54 pm)

Safer here than in some quiet residential neighborhood – 35th is already busy.
KM October 8, 2024 (7:56 am)

You’ve made a great point—this area definitely needs pedestrian improvements. The crosswalk where very few drivers yield to pedestrians at Snoqualmie and 35th is a good start.

J October 7, 2024 (7:45 pm)

Where will people park?? Have you been to that lot when people are golfing and/or the stadium is being used for track meets for example? Already a nightmare! Dogs and people weaving in and out of that lot? Will be crazy and dangerous. There’s gotta be a better location.

Eddie October 7, 2024 (10:21 pm)

Didn’t you see the new 10 story parking garage and pedestrian skywalk across 35th?

Chrissy D October 7, 2024 (8:05 pm)

How about we portion half of Lincoln Park for the doggies, that will give them plenty of space.

Leave LP alone October 7, 2024 (9:09 pm)

Already been though this. Asked and answered. No.
Nitro October 7, 2024 (10:57 pm)

Chrissy- half of Lincoln park is already used as an unleashed dog park by selfish dog owners!
- LP doggo park October 8, 2024 (1:05 pm)
  
  Sounds like there’s a need for a dog park in Lincoln Park then.

Nosoapbox October 7, 2024 (8:41 pm)

It is truly a wonder that anything in this city ever gets done. The city is trying to do something good for people and pets and all you can do is complain. Say thank you, find a better hobby, take some vitamin d supplements, and go enjoy the new park with the dogs. Thank you for the new park!

CarDriver October 8, 2024 (8:40 am)

Nosoapbox. The problem isn’t the dogs. It’s the people who feel entitled to take them everywhere and ignore any and all laws. Why is that OK?
Complain Department October 8, 2024 (1:07 pm)

I’m laughing at the comments here.There’s not enough parking! There will be more people crossing the street! The city shouldn’t accommodate dog owners! Hilarious. I guess all the businesses downtown where there’s not much parking/street parking should close. 😂Love the armchair complaint department. 🛋️

AK October 8, 2024 (12:52 pm)

So happy for this!!!

Kathy October 8, 2024 (2:20 pm)

Off leash dog areas are unsanitary, unsightly and a breeding ground for dog diseases. Do the owners who let their dogs use them really care about the health of their pet(s)?

PDiddy October 9, 2024 (2:11 pm)

Wow hot topic. I see unleashed dogs everywhere especially on the beaches around alki and lincoln park. Doubt this will change those habits. That said as long as they pickup after the dog, dont attack the wildlife or me i just have bigger things to worry about. Like all the druggies getting high on the streets. The plus is that they dont hang around where there are lots of dogs. So maybe a silver lining there.