Dog Park

Overview

We’re planning to build Issaquah’s first dog park!

Following an extensive public engagement process, an off-leash dog park is identified as a priority project in the City’s 2018 Parks Strategic Plan. 

Latest Update 

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.

We are currently considering a creative solution that provides an off-leash dog park in the near-term for Issaquah residents, while we continue to pursue a permanent option at Tibbetts Valley Park.

On Sept. 17, we held a virtual community meeting (watch online) to discuss an idea of using spaces within our current parks as two-four month sites for a series of “pop-up” dog parks throughout the year.

This would relieve the immediate need for a dog park. Sites being considered to temporary pop-up use are Tibbetts Valley Park Field 4; Pickering Barn’s field; Squak Valley Park South and the Issaquah Community Center old skate park location.

Next steps for this idea include review from our Parks Board and the City Council. 

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   
  • January 2019: Two “Walk and Talk” held at Tibbetts Valley Park for dogs and their owners to explore the site  
  • Winter 2019: Tibbetts Valley Park was chosen as the most feasible site   
  • Spring 2019: A site evaluation was performed on existing conditions and tree assessments  
  • 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
  • October 2019: Park Board reviews proposed design and process to date
  • 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

Stay Connected

Stay connected on this project by subscribing to Parks and Recreation category via the City’s Notify Me tool.