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After a series of public forums in Summer 2000, Metro Parks Tacoma appointed a Citizens Advisory Panel to help create a pilot program for off leash areas for Tacomans. We are happy to report that the first legal dog park in Tacoma opened in 2004 at Rogers Park.
Based on the Panel's work, on May 15, 2001 the Tacoma City Council passed an ordinance that modified the Leash Law by permitting and defining Off Leash Areas: "Off Leash Area" shall mean any area designated by the City or Metropolitan Parks Tacoma within which dogs, under the effective control of the owner or custodian, may be off leash. A 2002 "simplification" of the Code inadvertently weakened but left intact the concept of off leash areas.
On August 13, 2001 the Board unanimously accepted the Panel's proposal for a Pilot Program and directed Metro Parks to move forward. 2001 Report in Acrobat format (over 1 MB). Necessary steps included; securing the site for development; designing the recommended site; securing funding; implementing the pilot program; and monitoring the site and its effectiveness. In part due to budget and staffing issues, Metro Parks was delayed until 2004 in implementing the pilot roject.
More information is available in our Timeline.
Can you
help me? Would you like an area in Tacoma where you and your pooches can
romp? How do we deal with budget cuts and conflicting priorities? Do you
know people with influence on the parks decision making process?
Don't let the momentum stop!
Hey Petie! YES, I'd like to help launch the Pilot Dog Park! Please keep me posted.
From Petie's Mailbag:
Hi, just saw your website. I presented my father for his 72nd birthday a short Jack Russell Terrier. Since he's had the dog, he's more healthy, happier and more active. But the dog could use more opportunities to socialize with other dogs and have a chance to run freely (as is part of his natural nature).
In the San Fran Bay Area, there are many off-leash areas available. Seeing that it can definitely work, it's curious to me that Tacoma doesn't have similar facilities.
It's been a lot of work for my dad, but his life is richer for it. Also, the dog has helped both my family and my wife's family to grow closer together.
Good luck, Don S