Two north Burien parks, about a half-mile from each other, have been identified as possible sites for an off-leash dog facility.

Steve Roemer, Burien Parks operations manager, told council members his department looked at parks owned by the city that were currently underutilized. He noted a city off-leash dog park would draw dog owners from within a 5-mile radius.

There are currently off-leash parks at Grandview in SeaTac and Westcrest in White Center.

Burien lawmakers at their March 25 study session indicated interest in a second dog park in the south end. Lakeview Park at South 160th Street and 6th Avenue Southwest was mentioned as a possible site

The two north end parks are Hazel Valley, 2.84 acres, at 251 S.W. 126th St. and Salmon Creek, 4.61 acres, at 700 S.W. 118th St. They were acquired by the Burien when the southern portion of North Highline was annexed in 2009.

Hazel Valley already has an existing path that could be used for access and an existing water meter. It is fenced on three sides, has picnic tables and benches as well as mature vegetation. It is just two blocks from 1sr Avenue South and one block from Puget Sound Park.

Roemer noted the dog park would consume most of the park’s space. The park abuts several residences, creating noise and security issues. Some of the neighbors have gates directly from their backyards into the park. There is limited parking on the east side of Southwest 126th Street and limited visibility into the park, according to Roemer.

Roemer said Hazel Valley neighbors worried about the impact of dogs adjacent to their fences.

Salmon Creek is bigger so a majority of the park could remain as open space, Roemer noted. There is ample parking and only one home directly bordering the park. A narrow private road abuts the eastern edge.

However, Roemer said there is no existing fencing, path or water meter at the site making it more expensive to develop. It is also a little more isolated from arterial roads.

Salmon Creek neighbors voiced concerns about traffic impacts on the private road and during ball games at the field to the south. Residents also said a stop sign may be needed at the uncontrolled intersection of Southwest 118th Street and 8th Avenue Southwest.

Neighbors at both sites asked, “Why change this nice neighborhood park, “according to Roemer.

The next public meeting will be held May 8. A City Council decision is expected in June.

Councilmember Gerald Robison suggested Lakeview as a site.

Roemer replied that Burien doesn’t own the park and is leasing the property from the Highline School District.

Councilmember Rose Clark said Lakeview would be the only viable site in south Burien.

However, Councilmember Joan McGilton said the park is next to South 160th, which is a busy arterial. There is also a busy neighborhood on the west side of the park, she noted.

Deputy Mayor Lucy Krakowiak urged Roemer to look at a few more sites with an emphasis on lessening the impact to neighbors.

Parks officials are looking to the volunteers of the B-Town Dog group to fundraise and help run the park.

The group, which is holding a “park-n-bark” dog walk at Burien Town Square Park at 11 a.m. on April 27, encouraged the parks department to develop an off-leash facility.

B-Town Dog organizer Kellie Bassen told lawmakers March 25, “Choose a park for us and we will make it work.”

Burien CARES animal control officer Ray Helms echoed Bassen.

“Just designate a location for this group to sink its teeth into,” Helms declared.