Off-Leash Dog Area Proposals

Creating permanent off-leash dog areas is an objective in our Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan and has been included in our Capital Improvement Program.

We look forward to creating more off-leash options for the community in the future.

Off-Leash Dog Area 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. Review the DOLA Outreach Findings Report(PDF, 931KB)
• 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 off-leash dog area report(PDF, 18MB) to Park Board for feedback and comments.
• June - August 2021: Pop-up dog park program piloted 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 (PROS) Plan results public forum.
• Spring 2022: Feedback and recommendations included in Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan to Park Board and City Council.
• Summer 2022: Pop-up dog park pilot program continued at Juanita Beach Park, Heritage Park and Snyder's Corner.
• December 13, 2022: 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program(PDF, 1MB) adopted by City Council including Off-leash Dog Areas
• 2023: Pop-up dog park program continued at Juanita Beach Park and Snyder's Corner.
• December 10, 2024: Funding for off-leash dog areas at Juanita Beach Park and Snyder's Corner approved as part of the 2025-2026 Budget.