Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is pleased to announce the selection of West Seattle Stadium and Othello Park as the two sites to be developed to include an Off Leash Area as the result of the City’s Off Leash Area (OLA) Expansion Study, following a recommendation by the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners (BPRC) at their meeting on March 14, 2024.Thank you to the over 4,700 individuals who participated in the online survey, engaged with us in person at farmers markets, and provided public comment at BPRC meetings.
The current cycle of the Metropolitan Park District (MPD) provides SPR with funding for the construction of two new OLAs and the design of a third; any additional recommended OLA locations will need funding for construction and maintenance. The two new Off Leash Areas are in addition to the three new OLAs that were already in the planning process prior to the launch of this OLA Expansion Study (Georgetown Flume OLA Development, South Park Community Center Park Redevelopment, Smith Cove Park Development).
“I am thrilled to see Seattle Parks and Recreation expanding our Off Leash Area (OLA) System. Our furry friends hold a special place in the hearts of Seattle residents, and providing more places appropriate for them to exercise off-leash is key to a vibrant community. Through collaboration with the community and extensive outreach, we’ve identified two new sites where we will be constructing OLAs, and we have secured funding for the design of a third. I am excited to continue working with stakeholders to support our shining and growing Off Leash Area system,” said AP Diaz, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
The following sites were approved by members of the BPRC and SPR leadership to be developed into an OLA and will be prioritized for the available MPD funding:
- West Seattle Stadium (planning and construction timeline will be announced soon)
 |
- Othello Park (planning and construction timeline will be announced soon)
 |
The following are sites we found to be suitable sites for OLAs; future funding will need to be secured for the design and construction of these sites. These sites also require additional internal SPR planning and conversations with the community in response to existing uses at these parks.
- Ravenna Park (planning timelines to be announced soon, no funding for construction secured)
 |
- Brighton Playfield (no funding for planning on construction secured)
 |
- East Queen Anne Playfield (no funding for planning or construction secured)
 |
The specific sites we studied at the following parks were found to be unsuitable not recommended for for an OLA at this time based on community feedback and other existing uses.
- View Ridge Playfield
- Powell Barnett Park
- Discovery Park
- Lincoln Park
Map of current OLAs, approved OLA sites, and OLAs already in the planning stage:
