Dog Off-Leash Area Proposals

What is DOLA?

Park Board members conducted a public outreach for Designated Off-Leash Areas (DOLA) in 2018. Park staff, Park Board members, and City Council are developing proposals to re-purpose park areas for new dog off-leash areas.

The purpose of the DOLA Outreach process was to identify what services the community needs regarding off-leash areas. The outreach wanted to learn the following:

1. Whether the City of Kirkland should provide more off-leash dog opportunities; and, if so
2. Whether those additional areas be fenced or unfenced and in neighborhood parks or larger parks.

DOLA OUTREACH TIMELINE

• January 2018: City Council Park Board Joint Study Session.  Park Board shared their interest in conducting public outreach for off-leash dog areas.
• October 2018 through January 2019: Outreach activities for off-leash dogs and community need.
• March 13, 2019: Final Report and findings presented to Park Board.  The Park Board recommends that staff proceed with developing options for off-leash dog opportunities that include various configurations for further consideration by the Park Board and City Council.
• May 7, 2019: Joint meeting Park Board/ City Council – Study Session.  Final Report, findings and Park Board recommendation presented to City Council.
• May 31, 2019: Staff conducted an internal workshop to determine best sites for exploration and develop 3-4 proposals, including anything needed to make each option successful, such as enforcement, construction, signage, accessibility and on-going maintenance.
• November 13, 2019: Staff presented draft proposal to Park Board for feedback and comments.
• June - August 2021: Pop-up dog park pilot program at Juanita Beach Park, Heritage Park and Snyder's Corner.
• September 29, 2021: Community conversation meeting regarding off-leash dog areas and pop-up pilot program.
• December 2021: Feedback included in Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan results public forum.
• Spring 2022: Feedback and recommendations included in PROS Plan Report to Park Board and City Council.

Review the DOLA Outreach Findings Report(PDF, 931KB)