Tails from the park

Off-leash area becomes free-range neighborhood for dog owners in Everett

By Shanti Hahler

Special to The Herald

EVERETT — Nine-year-old Hannah Cobb likes to bring her dog, Rory, to the Lowell Park off-leash area.

"The best part is that I get to see all the dogs, but if we don’t bring him to the park, he gets cranky," she said of her Irish wolfhound. "He likes to see his girlfriend Syraan."

Hannah points out Syraan, a mixed breed with a sweet, timid demeanor who intently watches a game of chase from behind owner Loanne Johnson’s legs.

"She’s a mutt dog, "Johnson says lovingly. "But she’s my dog."

To an onlooker, it may seem that the Lowell off-leash area is really just a playground for dogs to run, play and sniff wherever they please. But a closer look reveals something more going on. The dog park is its own community within Everett, serving as a place for sharing ideas and community concerns, as well as meeting neighbors.

Khoi Nguyen, a daily visitor with his greyhound Goldie, has found it to be not only a social place for his dog, but for himself as well.

"The off-leash park is a great way to get back into meeting your neighbors," he says, "and it’s a great place to let your dog run."

Ben Olson, owner of a rambunctious golden retriever named Riley, agrees that people at the dog park make up a great part of the Everett community.

"You can really see that everyone here knows each other. I think it’s always good to know your neighbors … and most of the people here are dog nutty. It’s great!"

Many of the owners agree the dog park is a large part of their daily lives, and for some was an important factor in where they chose to live. As Hannah watches the dogs run and play, chasing tennis balls and each other, she says, "We would not live here in this town without the dog park."

Johnson agrees, explaining, "The location of the dog park was a big factor in where I bought my house."

Gretchen Shaffer, an Everett Parks Board member, also knows firsthand the popularity of off-leash dog parks in a community. With two dogs of her own, Shaffer has spent almost four decades volunteering to keep Everett a dog-friendly place, and in turn a neighbor-friendly place.

"The parks aren’t for the dogs," Shaffer says. "They’re a place where people can meet other people and talk. … It’s funny how you’ll talk to a stranger when you’ve got your dog. … They’re a people connector."

Shaffer has been the power behind many of the dog park projects in Everett, including the addition of an off-leash area to Garfield Park in Riverside. She is currently working on getting two more off-leash parks in Everett.

"Someone has to speak for the dogs," she says.

Though almost every city park in Everett allows dogs on the premises, only the designated off-leash areas allow free roaming. At the off-leash area in Lowell Park, dogs can play together, and there is always room for a game of fetch or tug. Good conversation, a park bench, and free poop bags are also available for owners.

For driving directions, scoop laws and volunteering opportunities at off-leash dog parks in Everett, see www.ci.everett.wa.us/everett/ parks/facilities/off-leash/ leashinfo. htm, or call the Everett Parks Department at 425-257-8300.

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