We are committed to enriching the quality of life in Renton through the responsible establishment and maintenance of a recreational area where dogs and people can interact in a clean, safe, and pleasant environment. More specifically, our goals are:

• To promote the health and welfare of companion animals and their owners.
• To work in close cooperation with the City of Renton to plan, promote, establish, operate, maintain, regulate, police, and otherwise work to create and support a public off-leash dog park in Renton.
• To view the dog park as a community project in partnership with the City of Renton, local businesses, and area civic organizations that satisfies the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners alike.

History of the Dog Park

While the recent surge in fundraising activities and publicity surrounding the off-leash area may give the impression that the idea was recently conceived, that's far from the case. In fact, there have been discussions about building a dog park in Renton since 2001. Here's a history and timeline of how the dog park idea got off the ground:

2001:  Kaylee Scholes writes the city council and expresses her wish that Renton create an off-leash dog park.

2002:  Mary Hart and Tom Burton write a letter asking the Council to support an off-leash dog park being considered for South King County in the City of SeaTac.

2003:  Correspondence is read from James M. Clayton, III who supports an off-leash dog park in the city of Renton.

2003:  Homeowners Heather and Michael Luedke and Mary and Kevin Nelson submit a request to the City of Renton to look into finding a place for an off-leash dog park.

July 7, 2003:  Community Services Department recommends approval of an interlocal agreement for development and operation of Grandview Park, an off-leash dog area located within the city limits of SeaTac.  City's cost share is $2,503.

October 2003: Through the cooperative efforts of King County, Serve Our Dog Area (SODA) and the cities of SeaTac, Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila, the first regional South King County off-leash area opens for public use.

2004:  The Committee recommends that no further action be taken on the dog park in the City of Renton at this time as the City already participated in the Grandview dog park.

April 25, 2005:  The City determines that dogs will no longer be allowed at Gene Coulon Park.  The City decides that the future site of Fire Station #15, located at 1404 North 30th St., will be used on an experimental basis as an off-leash dog park facility.  Dogs will continue to be allowed in the remaining 43 parks and open space areas, as well as on all trail systems January through December. Several of the sites provide access to the Cedar River where dogs are allowed in the water.

2007:   Ross Osborne (King County) speaks about the feasibility of an off-leash dog park in Renton, questioning whether the Narco site (1500 Houser Way S.) is a possible location for this type of park. Community Services Administrator Terry Higashiyama notes the possibility of using the site as a temporary off-leash dog park and states she will be happy to discuss the topic of an off-leash park with Mr. Osborne.

2008:   Talks start again with the City of Renton.  A task force is formed in March.  The task force meets about once a month to work out the details of creating a dog park.  The team reviews all levels of operations and expectations.  Speakers from the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, Bellevue Community Services and Parks, and S.O.D.A. are invited to give input on what design aspects are involved, challenges that arise during operation, and solutions.

The task force delivers its presentation to the Parks Commission in October 2008.

Notes from the public meeting:

• Even if the City Council approves the $50,000, an additional $50,000 will have to be raised before the dog park could be constructed.
• Increasing pet-license fees could help fund the park. It is noted that pet license fees haven’t been raised since the 1970’s.
• Local and regional pet businesses, such as groomers, walkers and daycare providers could also help raise money to build the park.
• If approved, the dog park would be a two-year project, located at Narco, the former brick plant adjacent to the Cedar River and the Cedar River Trail that is now a 4 1/2-acre open field.
• The dog park could not stay at the Narco field long-term, because under a City master plan, that field is slated to become soccer fields in about 2025.
• The Dog Park Task Force looked at other possible park sites, but settles on Narco for its easy access to Interstate-405, its abundance of parking and its relative isolation from neighborhoods.
• The closest homes are 300 feet up a huge cliff.
• Dog parks also tend to be self policed by those that patron them.
• A survey filled out by 190 people indicates many Renton residents will volunteer to help maintain the potential dog park.
• The City of Renton may also be able to get maintenance and support from Serve Our Dog Areas (S.O.D.A.), a nonprofit that aids Marymoor and Grandview parks.
• Conclusion of the public meeting:
• The Parks Commission requests the City of Renton include $50,000 in its capital improvement budget for the development of the dog park.  The proposal is to be presented to the City Council’s Committee of the Whole for approval Oct. 27.  If approved, the dog park will become a 2009 city project.

October 27, 2008:  Fifty thousand dollars is secured in the City’s 2009 budget.  The $50,000 is contingent on receiving dollars from the community.  Citizens must raise $20,000 before the City of Renton will release any funds. 


Spring 2009: The fundraising begins:       

• Renton’s Unleashed Furry Friends (RUFF) is filed with the Secretary of State as a nonprofit corporation.  RUFF obtains approval from Renton Community Foundation to operate under its 501(c)3 tax status.
• Logo created and flyers, merchandise, band buttons are printed.
• Fundraising jars are placed in local veterinary offices and businesses.
• The first fundraiser, Wines n’ Wags, is held on April 27th at Vino at the Landing.  The fundraiser is a huge success and brings in over $8,000.
• A second large fundraising event, Barks & Beers, is planned for The Dog and Pony Alehouse & Grill in North Renton for June 13th.