DOGPAW's Response to Recent Media Coverage

To DOGPAW Members, Donors, Business Sponsors, and Clark County Community:

We know people are concerned and confused about recent media reports about DOGPAW.  Here is the fuller story about the situation with our four DOGPAW parks, what’s next, and suggestions on what you can do to help.

DOGPAW’s mission is to provide and manage off-leash dog parks in SW Washington, where dogs can safely run, walk, play and thrive.  Our volunteers and your contributions work hard every day and are committed to keeping the parks well maintained and safe to use.

DOGPAW does not own the land for the parks. DOGPAW manages and operates them within a complex network of governments and agencies, each of which has specific requirements and regulations.  For instance, the Dakota dog park is part of Clark County’s larger Pacific Community Park complex. Ike is within Vancouver city limits but is on federal / Bonneville Power Administration property, which has allowed access to Ike park-goers. DOGPAW does not receive any monetary compensation from these entities.

The parks are enjoyed by thousands of dogs and their people every day and are a tremendous asset to Clark County.  But pressure from population growth, high usage and non-compliance have created some serious problems.  DOGPAW has been working with the governmental groups and related parks advisory boards for over three years to solve these problems, but the worsening situation has now brought issues to a head.

Here is the situation

* The most serious issue facing the parks is safety.  DOGPAW has received increased reports of safety problems, especially at our most heavily used parks (Dakota & Ike).  This includes dog-to-dog attacks and child safety concerns.  Unsocialized and unneutered dogs are being brought to the parks and cause conflict or attacks, and are increasingly unsupervised by their owners.  Small children should not be brought into off-leash parks for their own safety, as their size and play trigger “chase prey” behavior in dogs.

* There have been increased off-leash incidents in all the parks’ parking lots and adjacent neighborhoods.  This is especially problematic at the BPA substation parking lot at Ike. DOGPAW has received serious warnings that Ike will be closed if off-leash infractions continue. Lauretta Noreen Forest Preserve behind Lucky is a leash-only area, and this regulation is frequently ignored.

* There is increased damage at parks.  Massive fence repairs have been required at Ike.  The agility course at Lucky was ruined when parents allowed their children to play on the dog agility equipment (including riding bikes on the ramps).

Steps DOGPAW is Taking

# 1 is Education DOGPAW frequently sends out dog-related education, including dog behavior, owner behavior, dog training, leash laws, park rules and safety – even how to work with other dog owners at off-leash parks.  We provide this important information to our email subscribers, our followers on Facebook and Twitter, and through signage at the parks themselves.

#2 is Community Partnerships DOGPAW engages in on-going relationships and communication with the many governments & agencies involved with the parks.  It is only through partnership with these groups that the DOGPAW parks exist, and working together ensure concerns on both sides are addressed.

#3 is to Reduce Overcrowding We know that many of the problems at parks could be reduced by adding more off-leash parks in the region and have been working hard to expand the number of parks.  Because of the very high expense and long project lead-times, this solution is long-term and won’t address the immediate issues.

Recent Media Reports

The recent media attention has stemmed from letters the DOGPAW board sent to the City of Vancouver Parks Department and the Clark County Parks Department.  These letters stated the compliance and safety situation our parks are facing and requested additional supervision by Animal Control personnel.  We recognize that the agencies need to deliberate and evaluate community and budget impact before they can make any commitments. Initial response to DOGPAW from the agencies has been very favorable, and we are optimistic that they are actively working toward safety and compliance proposals to DOGPAW.

What’s Next?

Additional City and County support is only part of the solution for the issues facing the parks.  As described above, continued efforts toward education and park expansion are just as necessary.  The DOGPAW board is working hard to develop alternatives and contingency planning to keep the parks open and safe.  The parks will continue to operate normally through the remainder of the year, at least, and may continue indefinitely pending City and County decisions.

DOGPAW’s Board is undergoing a strategic planning process and is looking at multiple options for the future.  While one suggestion has been to open a private park with gated access, we have only begun to explore this idea, and do not have current plans in place.  DOGPAW publishes its annual report each year, where you can find out more about recent financial results and plans for the coming year.  

We know there is a high level of community interest in keeping the dog parks open and operating safely.  Please contact the City of Vancouver and Clark County to request they hold public forums to hear directly from the public about community concerns and ideas for solutions.

What You Can Do

Continue to enjoy the parks with your dogs!  Everything we do is done with that one goal in mind.

Tell us about any safety issues. You can report them on our website or by emailing us at safety@dogpawoffleashparks.org or by calling 888-899-0025.  Be specific about dates, locations, and the situation.

Please let your City and County representatives know that their support of off-leash parks is important to you, and encourage their help in making them safe.

Volunteer!  We have many opportunities for volunteers to make a difference for the parks

Donate!  All forms of donations are welcome, and some, like choosing DOGPAW for Amazon Smile, is completely free.

Become a Business Sponsor. We rely on the extraordinary support of our Gold, Silver and Bronze business sponsors to provide funds for the day-to-day operations of the parks.  And you can thank our Business Sponsors by sending business their way.

Thanks to all of you for supporting DOGPAW off-leash parks. 

Let us know your ideas for improving them further by contacting us at ask@dogpawoffleashparks.org or by calling 888-899-0025.