Mountlake Terrace to begin ticketing off-leash dogs in city parks

City of Mountlake Terrace Animal Control Officer Elena McKee at Ballinger Park.
Photo courtesy My Edmonds News

According to an article in My Edmonds News, dog owners, including some from Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, have been using Ballinger Park in Mountlake Terrace as an off-leash dog park.

The problem is, that while the former golf course is temptingly large and open, it is still a city park. Off-leash dogs are not allowed in MLT city parks and the fine for violating the law is $200.

• Mountlake Terrace has an Off-Leash Park at 5303 228th St. SW.
• Edmonds also has an off-leash area at the waterfront, next to Marina Beach.
• Shoreline has two year-round dog areas - at Shoreview Park and Fircrest - as well as a seasonal winter park on the beach south of Saltwater Park. (Shoreline OLDA)

Mountlake Terrace dog owners have expressed a desire for an off-leash dog area in Ballinger Park, but so far, city officials have not been supportive of that idea.