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Off-leash dog parks offer great socialization opportunities
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Nikki talking about the dog park
An hour or two spent at the off-leash dog park sniffing, running and doing some occasional humping is an awesome afternoon. So says our German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix, Nikki, as he barks incessantly on the way there.
If you’ve never been to one of these parks, it’s a healthy outlet for both humans and their companions. You won’t find friendlier people anywhere. It’s a great way to meet others who have common interests.
There are three main off-leash parks from Seattle down to Steilacoom. The first is Marymoor Park in Seattle which offers all kinds of activities including biking in the amazing velodrome. It also serves as the venue for many concerts and other recreational events. It has 40 acres for your furry friends to run in and get that much needed exercise.
The park we frequent most often is in the Kent/Des Moines area and is known as Grandview Park. Grandview is 32 acres of uphill/downhill walking opportunities as well as a wonderful open air grass-free area where meets and greets take place.
If you’re looking for a park further south, Steilacoom park is the one for you. It is the sight of the annual Dog-A-Thon that happens in July of each year. It offers 22 acres, and if you have a smaller dog that is frightened by large breeds, Steilacoom offers a separate play area for small dogs only.
When dogs get to be dogs in the company of their own kind, amazing things can happen. You often hear the comment, “I’ve never seen him do that before” as the dog in question bellies into a mud puddle or plows through a water-filled trench with his buddies. That’s because most of our canine pals don’t get the chance to “party down” with their own four-legged friends and a whole different personality comes to light.
Most dog parks provide poop scoop bags that you can collect on your way in and strategically placed garbage cans for your disposal needs. Water fountains are also provided at dog as well as people level for your refreshment.
There is nothing like an afternoon out watching your canine “kids” racing across the open fields while you stroll leisurely along at your own pace. Well-maintained fences surround the parks, making sure everyone stays safely inside.
If you’d like more info on an individual park, click on the links below:
Marymoor Park
Grandview Park
Steilacoom Park
Dog parks are supported by private donations through an organization known as S.O.D.A. (Serve Our Dog Areas).
If you’d like to make a donation, you can visit their website at www.soda.org.
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