Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is set to launch an Off-Leash Area (OLA) study, which will be led by department subject matter experts. The study will look at 30 sites (see list below) across the city that may have the potential to become future OLAs. Staff will examine each site from an environmental, engineering, geographic, equity, and dog behavioral perspectives. At the conclusion of this study, SPR will be able to present to the community a list of sites that we believe are feasible and most suited for future OLAs. The Seattle Park District provides funding for 2 new OLAs; from there the department will need to request additional funding to construct and maintain any additional OLAs.
The 30 sites that will be looked at are:
Sandel Playground
Gas Works Park
Salmon Bay Park
Ballard Commons Park
Bhy Kracke Park
Mayfair Park
East Queen Anne Playground
West Queen Anne Playfield
Discovery Park North Parking Lot
Lincoln Park
Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
Hamilton Viewpoint Park
West Seattle Stadium
Delridge Playfield
Laurelhurst Playfield
Ravenna Park
View Ridge Playfield
Bryant Neighborhood Playground
Dahl Playfield
Hubbard Homestead Park
Washington Park Playfield
Homer Harris Park
Rogers Playground
Powell Barnett Park
Montlake Playfield
Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park
Rainier Beach Playfield
Othello Park
Benefit Playground
Martha Washington Park
Jefferson Park
Brighton Playfield
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The connection between us humans and our furry friends runs deep in our collective history. From our likely role in their slow evolution from grey wolves into dogs around 15,000 years ago, to the fact that many of our households today are home to one or more dogs, it’s undeniable the increased role they play in our society and day-to-day life. With this comes the need for increased access to amenities for dogs that allow their owners to exercise and socialize them, make connections with others, and generally raise healthy and happy pets.
SPR has been among other leading cities in providing access to legal off leash areas, constructing the city’s first Off Leash Area (OLA) in 1997. However, with the exponential growth we’ve witnessed of the number of dogs among Seattle residents in the recent decade, SPR has recognized the need for, and has been working toward, an expanded OLA system. We have had some success increasing the number of OLAs gradually over the years in partnership with community, but the current situation calls for a more concrete and robust response; one which not only helps increase the number of individual OLAs over the coming years, but also improves the overall quality and experience of our existing OLAs.