Title
Special Recognition - Opening of Three Off-leash Dog Areas
Recommended Action
Not referred to a committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize the recent opening three off-leash dog areas in Olympia parks.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Parks Planning & Design Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.570.5855
Presenter(s):
Laura Keehan, Parks Planning & Design Manager
Background and Analysis:
In 2010 Olympia opened its first off-leash dog area at Sunrise Park. The dog area was incredibly popular but its impacts on the surrounding neighborhood ultimately required the City to close it in 2013. At that time, it was decided the City would seek a more appropriate site that did not excessively impact adjacent residences.
In late 2018, staff presented four possible off-leash locations to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) for consideration. Three of the locations were moved forward for public consideration in 2019 and received overwhelming support. Permitting delays during the onset of the pandemic pushed project construction out a bit further than anticipated but now, after waiting patiently, three off-leash dog areas are now open to the public. The areas are at the following locations:
1. McLane: 4421 Mud Bay Rd NW
2. Evergreen Park: 1445 Evergreen Park Dr SW
3. Ward Lake Park: 2008 Yelm Hwy SE
Anyone who would like to be a Dog Park Steward can contact Amy Stull, Parks Stewardship Supervisor, at astull@ci.olympia.wa.us <mailto:astull@ci.olympia.wa.us>.
Attachments:
None