Showing posts with label dog parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog parks. Show all posts

Paws in the Park! October 19, 2024

Saturday, September 21, 2024

Save the date for, Paws in the Park! October 19, 2024, 1:00pm to 5:00pm, at Pfingst Animal Acres Park, 17435 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155

It’s going to be a pawty for paws and the family! Invite neighbors and friends to celebrate our LFP Community. 

There will be a beer garden, community partner booths, food trucks, pop-up off leash dog park, and FREE fun for the whole family!
 
This year we have a special performance by LFP legend and ShoreLake Arts 2023 Battle of the Bands reigning champs, King Youngblood.

Paws and Costumes encouraged but not necessary.


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Let the grass grow

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Ridgecrest Dog Park
Photo by Seattle Poppy

Happy to see it’s clover and not just grass at the Ridgecrest Dog Park. 

I think rabbits and birds will also be pleased.

--Seattle Poppy



 

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Temporary closure of eastside dog park August 12 -26, 2024

Saturday, August 10, 2024

The Fircrest Campus Facilities Department will be resurfacing the road along and leading into the Eastside Off-leash Dog Area on the Fircrest Campus.

If you are looking for a dog park during the closure, please visit Shoreline’s newest off-leash dog area at Ridgecrest Park or the Shoreview Park off-leash dog area:

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2022 Park Bond Projects: Construction to begin at Shoreview Off-Leash Dog Park

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

The Ridgecrest dog park is complete and open for use.
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

After years of planning, construction is set to begin on the next 2022 Park Bond Project! 

On August 12, 2024 construction will begin at Shoreview Off-Leash Dog Park, 700 NW Innis Arden Way, Shoreline WA 98177

During construction, the park will be closed. Improvements to Shoreview Park should be completed by next summer.


Improvements will include new fencing, a paved accessible path, shade structure, shy dog area, and resurfacing of the parking lot with accessible parking and drop-off locations.

During construction, we invite you to use the new off-leash dog area at Ridgecrest Park (108 NE 161st Street). 

The Eastside OLDA (1902 NE 150th Street) is also available for the rest of this year; however, it is closed for a road paving project until August 19. The Eastside OLDA is on state property and will close permanently at the end of this year.


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Temporary closure of the East Side Dog Park from August 5 - 19, 2024

Friday, July 12, 2024

New Ridgecrest dog park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

The Fircrest Campus Facilities Department will be resurfacing the road along and leading into the East Side Off Leash Area on the Fircrest Campus on 15th NE. The work is scheduled to begin on August 5th and will involve large construction equipment.

Due to this construction, and to keep park patrons safe during construction, the East Side Off Leash Area will be closed from August 5th until August 19th.

If you are looking for a dog park during the closure, please visit Shoreline’s newest off-leash area at Ridgecrest Park or the Shoreview Park Off-Leash Area.
  • Ridgecrest Park Off Leash Area: 108 NE 161st St, Shoreline, WA 98155
  • Shoreview Park Off-Leash Area: 320 Innis Arden Way, Shoreline, WA 98177

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Off leash dog parks. Who wants them?

Monday, December 11, 2023

Dogs at the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park off-leash area
Photo by Nic Cross

By Pam Cross

Off leash dog parks. Who wants them?

You probably think the dogs want them. You might be wrong. What is wrong with them?

Ask a dog: do you like off leash parks?
  • Reply: Off leash parks are boring.
Granted, not every dog park can compete with Marymoor off-leash park (aka Disneyland for Dogs).
  • Reply: But most off leash parks are boring.
A lot of them are advertised as having views.
  • Reply: What’s a view? And there is nothing to dooo (whining). Nothing to sniff at. No trails to follow. Chase a ball? I don’t chase balls. And if I did, a bunch of other dogs would run after *my* ball and take it away.What happens anyway? You get the ball, bring it back, and they throw it again! In the same place.
So mostly I gang up with other dogs my size and pick on the new guys. Scare the timid dogs. Terrify the smaller dogs. Scrum City!

And my owner/best friend who brought me here? They are leaning against the fence looking at their phone. They didn’t even see me bring down that spotted dog that I didn’t like.

Ask a dog owner

Designing an off leash park doesn’t require adding special agility equipment. Most owners and dogs don’t know how to use it correctly and it largely just sits there unused. 

What even the smallest off leash park needs is a trail - even if it’s just gravel along the fence, where owners can walk with their dog while the dog runs a short distance away to sniff a bush or a large rock or a tree stump, and then comes back to tell its owner about it. 

Small bushes planted in groups in the park will break the line of sight between dogs. They provide a visual barrier to prevent confrontation as well as something of interest for the dogs to explore. Maybe there’s a discarded treat hidden in there. Or a squirrel!

If you look where people take their dogs to play, dogs who chase balls need to go to a plain park with few trees and bushes so they have room to run. The smaller and timid dogs tend to meander and are more interested in looking at different objects. They look at the other dogs to see if they recognize anybody.

Shoreline is buying property throughout the city for the future development of parks. This undeveloped land could easily be converted to temporary off-leash parks with the addition of fencing and a trash can for the doggy bags. 

The dogs will develop the trails as they walk around, and their owners will assist in keeping the foliage down while they walk with their dogs. The city can post a sign that states “This land is for the future development of a park.” 

And in 10 years when funding is available to develop the park, the off-leash use will be discontinued.


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Pop-Up, Paws in the Park! Costumes encouraged - community invited

Thursday, October 12, 2023


Pop-Up, Paws in the Park!

Saturday, October 28, 2023, a pop-up dog park will be at Pfingst Animal Acres Park, 17435 Brookside Blvd NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, for the furry friends to play off leash. 

This free-family-friendly event is to provide our community a start to their Halloween festivities! 

Costumes for the pets and humans are encouraged but not necessary. Don’t have a pet, still come out and say hi! Activities for the entire family, food trucks, music, community booths, and giveaways will be there for all to enjoy!

This is a good time to make sure your pet is up-to-date on current vaccinations and pet license! Call your local veterinarian to check on their vaccinations and stop by City Hall to purchase or renew a pet license.

Reminder, all welcome to join, having a pet or costume is not a requirement.


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Irresponsible pet play time can lead to long-term environmental impacts

Tuesday, July 6, 2021


Many of us enjoy playing fetch with our four-legged best friend at the park. However, irresponsible pet play time can lead to long-term environmental impacts. 

Just as it’s important to pick up pet waste to prevent poop from entering our lakes and streams, it’s important to properly retrieve and dispose of pet toys — especially plastic and rubber pet toys. 

A concerned park visitor recently posted a video showing a significant amount of pollution in the Sammamish River, most of it being abandoned tennis balls and dog toys found downstream of the Marymoor off-leash dog park in Redmond.

The issue isn’t confined to the Sammamish River alone; it has been documented in several other states and water bodies as well. 

Over time, the felt on tennis balls, comprised mostly of acrylic and nylon fibers, breaks down and releases microplastic fibers into the environment (Cross and Lindsey, 2007; Praminik et al., 2020). 

The rubber ball and other plastic and rubber toys also break down into macro and microplastics over time, which can have a lasting legacy in sediments and negatively impact wildlife and aquatic organisms (Praminik et al., 2020). 

The best practice for playing fetch on the water is to use environmentally safe toys, such as sticks or toys made with natural, biodegradable materials.

--Story and photo from King County Streams Monitor, Spring 2021



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Shoreline City Council places Shoreline Proposition 1 on April ballot: Bond measure to make park improvements and acquire and improve park land

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

James Keough park would receive significant improvements under the bond issue

On January 25, Shoreline City Council approved placing Shoreline Proposition 1 on the April 27 special election ballot. Approval of Proposition 1 will allow the City to make improvements to eight parks and acquire and improve new park land. The City would issue up to $38,500,000 in general obligation bonds to be paid back through an increase in property taxes.

Five parks that would receive significant improvements are: 
  • Brugger’s Bog 
  • Hillwood 
  • James Keough 
  • Richmond Highlands 
  • Briarcrest Community (east Hamlin)

Concept design for James Keough Park

Park improvements would include such things as playgrounds, splash-pads, multi-sports courts, walking trails, picnic shelters, off-leash dog areas, and a fully accessible play area for people of all physical abilities.

Additional investments in park amenities include constructing a new off-leash dog area and play area at Ridgecrest Park; upgrading the off-leash dog area and converting the dirt soccer field to grass at Shoreview Park; making the education center and children’s garden accessible to people of all abilities at Kruckeberg Botanic Garden; and installing public art throughout the city.

Park land acquisitions and improvements will expand Paramount Open Space, Brugger’s Bog, and Rotary Parks, and will include additional park land acquisitions in the light rail station areas and other parts of the city.


The owner of a median valued home ($517,000 in 2020) could expect to pay approximately $112 a year, or $9 a month, an increase of $36 a year, or $3 a month, over what they are currently paying with the expiring 2006 park bond.

For more information on Shoreline Proposition 1, visit shorelinewa.gov/prop1

The City will be providing factual community presentations on Proposition 1 via Zoom. To see the schedule of presentations and how you can participate, go to shorelinewa.gov/prop1



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Dog park in the sun

Tuesday, January 26, 2021


Photo by Keith McGlashan

Sun comes out and everyone heads to the dog park! This is the Shoreview Dog Park by Shoreview Park in west Shoreline.



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Not exactly the Christmas spirit - but stay away from RB Saltwater Park beach

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Photo from Dept of Ecology
Public Health Seattle and King County has issued a no-contact advisory at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline.

This advisory is due to sewer overflows that occurred as a result of a heavy rainstorm.


The public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area until further notice.

Contact with fecal-contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. 

Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.



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Addition to Shoreline council meeting Aug 10 - Eastside dog park

Friday, August 7, 2020

Eastside dog park
Photo by GM Weigand


The following item has been added to the agenda:

Study Item 9(c) Discussion of the Eastside Off Leash Area Lease Agreement with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

The City has been leasing land from the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for the Eastside Off-leash Area since 2013 when the rent was $200/month. In June 2020 the rent increased to $1,000/month for July and August. In September the monthly rental rate will increase to $4,356. Council will discuss the options of negotiating a solution with DSHS by either September or October 15, 2020, or closing the Eastside Off-leash Area and replacing it with an interim off-lease area in James Keough Park.

Link to Entire Meeting Agenda

Please be advised that the Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting on Monday, August 10, 2020 will be held online using the Zoom platform. You may watch a live feed of the Meeting online; join the Meeting via Zoom Webinar; or listen to the Meeting over the telephone.

Council is providing opportunities for public comment by submitting written comment or calling into the meeting to provide oral testimony. To provide oral testimony you must sign-up by 6:30 p.m. the night of the meeting. Please see the information listed below to access all of these options:




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Eastside dog pool

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Photo by GM Wiegand

The City of Shoreline was able to negotiate with the state to extend the lease a couple of times for the Eastside Dog Park. It is now open until the end of the year.



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COVID-19 Update – Playgrounds, sports courts, and other active recreation areas CLOSED; parks and trails users directed to follow social distancing guidelines

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Northcrest Park play equipment
Photo by Seattle Poppy

From the City of Shoreline

To maintain COVID-19 social distancing guidelines established by Public Health—Seattle and King County, all sports courts, playground equipment, and other active recreation areas in Shoreline City parks are CLOSED. 

The closure includes picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts, ballfields, and other active recreation locations. Pick-up games, picnics, and other large gatherings will not be permitted.

Parks, natural areas, trails, and beaches where social distancing can be maintained remain open. Ballfields and playfields are open for walking and other non-team activities.

Restrooms within parks will continue to be open to the public and will be cleaned and sanitized twice a day.

We will place signs near park playgrounds, sports courts, and other active recreation areas to communicate this closure to the public.

We also ask park patrons to bring a suitable trash bag and leave no trash to help protect our park workers.

We encourage all park users to follow these National Parks and Recreation Agency guidelines for maintaining social distancing in parks and open spaces:
  • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
  • Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
  • Observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

For more information about the City’s response, visit Shorelinewa.gov/covid

This also applies to King County Parks and Seattle Parks - see notice




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Photo: Gabriel in the Eastside Dog Pond

Friday, February 7, 2020

Photo by GM Wiegand

The Eastside dog park was pretty seriously flooded but Gabriel, devoted service animal for GM Wiegand, didn't really mind.

Photo by GM Wiegand

They had the park to themselves as most people did not brave the heavy rain.




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DSHS informs City it will not renew Eastside Off-leash Dog Park lease; City working to keep park open

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Off Leash Area in green

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has informed the City of Shoreline that they will not be renewing the lease for the land used for the Eastside Off-leash Dog Park located on the Fircrest campus. 
The current lease is set to expire on December 31, 2019. 
DSHS also informed Shoreline that due to safety concerns they would be restricting public access to the park by closing the gates to vehicular access between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am. 
That change went into effect over the Labor Day weekend.

The City has leased the Eastside Off-Leash Dog Park from DSHS for the past six years. As the landlord, DSHS has the authority to make these changes. 

However, we will continue to work collaboratively with them to see if we can help resolve their concerns around safety and access in order to keep this valuable amenity accessible to our community.



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Photo: Two-toned dogs at the dog park

Friday, July 13, 2018

Eastside dog park
Photo by Seattle Poppy

Now let's see... who was it that was kveching that the Eastside Dog Park was nothing but a muddy field?

It certainly wasn't these guys, who clearly think that mud is a wonderful thing.

Hope they live close enough to walk home - makes me think of the preschool mom who kept old sheets in her car to throw over the seats before she let the carpool kids back in the car.

DKH




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Mystery at the Dog Park

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Photo by GM Wiegand

By Diane Hettrick

Regular users of the Eastside Dog Park were startled to find a children's gym set up in the dog park. No explanation - it just appeared.

Dog owners were extremely concerned.

Was this supposed to be for the dogs? If so, it was dangerous.

Was the plan to share the dog park with children? Even more dangerous. There was an incident last year in the Edmonds Dog Park when a mother brought her dog and her toddlers to the dog park. The toddlers started running and the dogs started chasing them.

Fortunately, the dog owners were able to restrain the dogs, but everyone was shaken by the incident.

Someone called the Shoreline Parks department. They sent a staff person to check it out. Parks took it down and hauled it away immediately.

The mystery remains. Someone went to the trouble in disassembling the play structure from its original location, hauling it to the dog park, and reassembling it.

Was it a prank?

Did someone think they were doing a good deed, reusing an unwanted play structure by placing it in a barren looking park?

Don't know.

The park is back to normal. Dogs can safely run free. No children will be attracted to the dog park (and hopefully no mothers or fathers will bring them).



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Photo: Even the surfers took their boards and left on Saturday

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Photo by Kathy Passage

Even the surfers picked up their boards and left Richmond Beach Saltwater Park on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

Wind all day, with occasional knock you down gusts, pouring rain with occasional clearing, and cold.

Photo by Kathy Passage

That wasn't enough to keep the dog owners away from the Dog Park at the end of the beach.


Photo by Kathy Passage

It was definitely enough for the dogs to say "Enough!" and head for home.



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Community project to clean up the Eastside Off Leash Dog Area

Friday, January 13, 2017

Drainage at the dog park has been an issue for a long time.
The park had to be closed for a while in 2015 while the City
used pea gravel and sand to deal with the flooding.
Photo by GM Wiegand


Taryn Maxwell was looking for a community project - and her dog gave it to her.

I was looking for things I could do to improve my community in my spare time and when my soaking wet dog jumped in my lap at the dog park, it hit me.
We need to fix up this park. 

"We're going to work on the puddle problem, add more gravel, and give the dogs more to do."

It's a great area for the dogs to run - Gabriel is having fun in the rain
but Taryn wants to provide a playground for dogs.
Photo by GM Wiegand


"Our goal is to buy gravel, sand, play equipment, and installation materials to get the job done. After we have the supplies, we'll hold a work party."

**This project has been approved by the city**

"Do what you can, donate, share, show up for the work party!"

Gabriel in the mud. 2015
Photo by GM Wiegand

"We love our dogs and think they deserve the best. So come on Shoreline, let's get to work!"

The park is located at 1902 NE 150th St, Shoreline 98155 on the Fircrest campus on 15th NE.

Taryn has set up a GoFundMe page with a funding goal of $6,000.



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