Kirkland Keeps Off-Leash Dog Park At Juanita Through Summer

KIRKLAND, WA — An off-leash dog area will stick around at Juanita Beach Park through the end of summer, city officials announced Tuesday. Juanita's pop-up dog park was the first of three planned through the summer around Kirkland and was originally planned to wrap up at the end of June. However, the off-leash area was so well received that it will stay put for a couple more months.

"We are very pleased with the community's response to the pop-up parks," said Lynn Zwaagstra, director of Kirkland Parks and Community Services. "Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback and popularity of the pop-up dog park at Juanita Beach Park, we have decided to keep this location until the end of the summer."

The two other pop-up dog parks, planned for July at Heritage Park and August at Snyder's Corner will move forward as planned. Kirkland residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on each park with the city, which helps planners gauge interest and update their larger, six-year strategic plans.

"We want to hear how you want to play in Kirkland, whether with friends, family, or four-legged companions," said Kirkland Councilmember Kelli Curtis. "Throughout 2021, we will be hosting focus groups, interviews, community workshops and survey opportunities so that, as a community, we can imagine the future of Kirkland's parks, recreation and open spaces, including off-leash dog areas."

Here's where to find the other two pop-up parks planned over the summer:

• July: Heritage Park (111 Waverly Way) - located on the north side of the park, near the tennis courts. Parking available in the gravel lot nearby.
• August: Snyder's Corner Park (13267 Old Redmond Rd) - located at the corner of Old Redmond Rd and 132nd Ave NE near the Bridle Trails Shopping Center. Snyder's Corner Park is undeveloped, and a temporary small parking area will be accessible off Old Redmond Rd.

Beyond the summer pop-ups, Kirkland is also home to two permanent off-leash dog areas:

• Jasper's Dog Park (11225 NE 120th Street)
• Edith Moulton Park (108th Ave NE and NE 137th St)

City officials also have a list of good practices to keep in mind at all off-leash areas:

• Keep an eye on your dog at all times.
• You are responsible for your dog's actions.
• Please remember that other park visitors may be afraid of your dog.
• Do not allow your dog to run and jump on other people or dogs without an invitation.
• Be good to the grass. Heavy use in a given area compacts soil and damages the turf.
• Keep walking – you'll see more, and get more exercise!
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times unless you are in an off-leash area.
• Pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in containers provided throughout the park.