Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is excited to announce the development of new off-leash areas (OLAs) at West Seattle Stadium and Othello Playground. Please join us for one of the community engagement events either on October 24 to learn more about the development of new off-leash areas. The event will take place at Othello Playground, 4351 S Othello St, in the southwest corner of the park on October 24 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

SPR’s project team and design consultant will be available to answer any questions and to gather valuable community feedback. The feedback collected will help shape the final design of these new OLAs.  

All are welcome. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their dogs on leash in costume for a fun treat. SPR will be accepting pet food donations to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter at the event, or you can visit https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/get-involved/donate to donate.  

The West Seattle Stadium OLA will transform the current unpaved overflow parking lot into a dedicated off-leash area, and the Othello Playground OLA will be located in the southwest corner of the park. Both sites will include fencing, seating for pet owners, and an environmentally friendly stormwater bioretention area with thoughtful plantings. 

“We’re excited to bring these new off-leash areas to life and create spaces where our communities can come together,” said AP Diaz, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. “These projects aren’t only about creating spaces for dogs, but fostering connections between neighbors and promoting healthy, active lifestyles for both people and pets.” 

The Seattle Park District Cycle 2 provides funding for the construction of two new OLAs and the design of a 3rd. As mandated by the funding, one of these OLAs will be constructed in West Seattle and the other OLA can be constructed in any other neighborhood of the city. The third site (funded for design only) may be anywhere in the city, though construction funds will need to be secured first. Seattle Park District Cycle 2 provides funding for these projects along with funding to ensure Seattle’s nearly 500 parks, playfields, and community centers remain welcoming places for recreation, learning, and healthy communities. To learn more about the study that informed these projects please visit Off Leash Area Expansion Study – Parks | seattle.gov. 

For more information about these upcoming meetings and projects please contact project planner Colin Campbell at Colin.Campbell@seattle.gov or visit www.seattle.gov/parks/recreation/dog-off-leash-areas.