Dog Park Tour
Overview
While we continue to pursue a permanent option at Tibbetts Valley Park, the City of Issaquah has put in place a Dog Park Tour! Temporary dog parks will be set up at intervals across the City.
- Nov. 2020 - Jan. 2021: Pickering Barn
- Feb. - May 2021: Squak Valley Park
- June - Oct. 2021: Issaquah Community Center
Background
Following an extensive public engagement process, an off-leash dog park was identified as a priority project in the City’s 2018 Parks Strategic Plan.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Issaquah made several budget reductions in 2020, which included impacts to many parks capital projects, including the Dog Park. Nevertheless, Issaquah remains committed to the community's goal of incorporating a Dog Park into the Issaquah parks system.
The idea for a temporary dog park tour was created. This would relieve the immediate need for a dog park, while we continue to pursue a permanent option at Tibbetts Valley Park.
Community Assistance
In most – if not all – Issaquah park projects, City funds are leveraged with other resources (such as grant funds) to help stretch our local dollars further.
Similar to many surrounding communities, Issaquah will also be seeking the community’s help in completing this park through volunteer efforts, which will help free up City funds for more elements/amenities.
Friends Group
For those wanting to participate the dog park’s creation and success, we’d like to invite you to join our "Friends" group. This group will partner with the City during construction and to provide ongoing stewardship of the off-leash dog park.
Learn more by contacting Jennifer Fink.
Timeline
- 2015: Parks staff conducted a study of popular dog parks in the area
- 2018: Extensive public engagement, including public meetings and surveys, informed the site selection process
- Winter 2019: Tibbetts Valley Park was chosen as the most feasible site
- May 2019: Park Board received an update on the project and reviewed the Existing Conditions Report
- Summer 2019: Survey presents conceptual options
- October 2019: Meeting for the "Friends" group
- November 2019: Survey with proposed design and Park Board reviews process chart, project breakdown & estimate, proposed design and survey feedback. Park Board recommends moving forward with the development of the proposed design at Tibbetts Valley Park
- September 2020: Following budget reductions due to COVID-19 impacts, a community meeting was held Sept. 17 to discuss temporary options
- Nov. 2020 - Jan. 2021: Dog Park Tour begins at Pickering Barn
- Feb. - May 2021: Dog Park Tour moves to Squak Valley Park
- June - Oct. 2021: Dog Park Tour moves to Issaquah Community Center
- Oct. 2021: Survey completed to gather feedback on Dog Park Tour
Stay Connected
Stay connected on this project by subscribing to Parks and Community Services category via the City’s Notify Me tool.