Dog lovers have an opportunity to help create a new off-leash area where dogs can run and play in east Vancouver.
The Board of County Councilors unanimously approved an agreement with Dog Owners Group for Park Access in Washington (DOGPAW) to develop a dog park on a county-owned parcel at NE 192nd Avenue and NE 9th Street. The 10.8-acre property is west of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington and south of the Harmony Sports Complex.
DOGPAW will be responsible for developing the site with fencing, a double-gated entry and other amenities, as well as providing ongoing maintenance of the site.
While DOGPAW does not yet have a firm timeline for making the necessary improvements and opening the area for public use, the group has started accepting contributions to defray costs. Donations can be made by contacting Mark Watson at (360) 896-4341 or [email protected].
Clark County has partnered with DOGPAW on three existing off-leash areas: Dakota Memorial Off-Leash Dog Park, Kane Memorial Dog Park and Brush Prairie “Lucky” Dog Park. All three areas are named after police dogs killed while on duty.
DOGPAW reports that off-leash areas have experienced increasing use. Dakota Memorial Off-Leash Dog Park and Hazel Dell “Ross” Dog Park, on Bonneville Power Administration property, typically have more than 1,000 users per day, according to the group.
“This is truly a win-win agreement,” said Bill Bjerke, Clark County parks manager. “We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with DOGPAW for years and look forward to building on that success with another off-leash area for our community to use and enjoy.”
Information about existing off-leash areas in county parks is available on the county’s website at: clark.wa.gov/public-works/dog-parks.
