Salmon Bay Park and Ballard Commons Park being considered for off-leash dog parks

Two Ballard parks—Salmon Bay Park and Ballard Commons Park—could become off-leash dog parks.

Seattle Parks and Recreation announced this week that it would be adding two new off-leash dog areas to the city by 2026—the department is considering a total of 30 parks for the off-leash areas (OLAs).

The department is taking a multiyear approach to establishing the new off-leash spots, starting with studying each location for viability from environmental, engineering, geographic, equity, and dog behavioral perspectives.

There are currently 14 off-leash dog areas in the city, but Seattle Parks says “with the exponential growth we’ve witnessed of the number of dogs among Seattle residents in the recent decade, SPR has recognized the need for, and has been working toward, an expanded OLA system.”

A representative from Seattle Parks told KUOW that they plan to share the two recommended parks with the public when the study finishes in late spring or early summer.

Here’s the full list of parks being considered (from KUOW):

  • Sandel Playground
  • Gas Works Park
  • Salmon Bay Park
  • Ballard Commons Park
  • Bhy Kracke Park
  • Mayfair Park
  • East Queen Anne Playground
  • West Queen Anne Playfield
  • Discovery Park North Parking Lot
  • Lincoln Park
  • Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
  • Hamilton Viewpoint Park
  • West Seattle Stadium
  • Delridge Playfield
  • Laurelhurst Playfield
  • Ravenna Park
  • View Ridge Playfield
  • Bryant Neighborhood Playground
  • Dahl Playfield
  • Hubbard Homestead Park
  • Washington Park Playfield
  • Homer Harris Park
  • Rogers Playground
  • Powell Barnett Park
  • Montlake Playfield
  • Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park
  • Rainier Beach Playfield
  • Othello Park
  • Benefit Playground
  • Martha Washington Park
  • Jefferson Park
  • Brighton Playfield

Photo: Seattle Parks and Recreation