Off-leash Park Development

Location
To be determined.

What's Planned
Creation of a central community facility.

Funding Priorities:
• Point Defiance Park 'Baker Tract' - Establish an Off-Leash Area - proposed to be completed later in 2009
• Wapato Lake - Designated Off-Leash Area - included in the proposed next phase of improvements in 2010

Components of an Appropriate Off-Leash Park:
• The site would be signed and designated per City ordinance.
• The site would be easily accessible to the public and have adequate parking for the size of the facility.
• Fresh running water for human and animal consumption should be available year-round.
• Open terrain with a variety of slopes and vegetation, good visibility, and drainage. Two acres appears to be a minimum size based on the experience at Rogers Park.
• Wood-chip surface in high traffic areas.
• Amenities for humans such as seating, shade and restrooms.
• Signage explaining hours, pet-owner responsibilities, and precautions for the general public.
• Perimeter fencing with separate areas for different sizes and/or activity levels of animals.
• Waste disposal facilities.
• Facilities that support community monitoring and volunteer support.

Budget
The Parks Improvement Bond Measure, approved by the citizens of Tacoma in November of 2005, provides $175,000 for this project.

Project Status
04/06/09 The downtown area project with UW Tacoma is no longer under consideration. The Point Defiance Park 'Baker Tract' project is proposed to be completed later in 2009. The Wapato Lake project is in the budget for the proposed next phase of improvements in 2010.
09/14/07 We will be working with the UW Tacoma to develop an off leash park on one of their sites at Fawcett & 19th.
05/18/07 Another proposed off-leash facility would be in conjunction with a Spay-Neuter Clinic proposed by the Dugan Foundation at Wapato Hills Park.
05/11/07 A centrally located off-leash facility at the Tacoma Landfill site is no longer possible - the City does not want to participate and has other ideas for the use of the property. We have identified other options including a possible downtown off-leash facility, one at the Point Defiance Baker Tract, and other smaller facilities.

It's anticipated that this project will be funded in 2008, 2009 & 2010 and completed in 2012.

Schedule
• Planning -
• Design -
• Construction -
• Completion -

Community & Board Participation

Last Updated: Apr 6, 2009 1:26 PM