MONROE — Since its opening in late July, Wiggly Field has attracted dogs and their owners from all over Monroe as well as Snohomish, Sultan and Woodinville. It’s the first off-leash dog park in Monroe.
Mike Farrell, the city’s parks and recreation director, answered questions about the new heaven for dogs.
Q. Where is Wiggly Field?
A. It’s the southern part of Skykomish River Park off Village Way. Free parking is available nearby. It’s open from dawn to dusk every day.
Q. How big is the off-leash dog area?
A. A little more than three acres.
Q. Why did the city create Wiggly Field?
A. Many dog owners live in Monroe and nearby communities. The city wanted to create a safe area for dogs and their owners to play. The off-leash dog area is fenced to separate it from the rest of Skykomish River Park.
Q. How much money did the city spend building the off-leash dog area?
A. About $5,000. The city raised about $5,500 in donations from the community to prepare the site with volunteers. The city wants to add a water fountain for dogs and build a message board.
Q. How many volunteers pitched in?
A. About 25 people helped city workers establish Wiggly Field. Sno-DOG, a nonprofit group, has assisted the park’s preparation and continues to help the city maintain the field.
Q. What’s popular at Wiggly Field?
A. An agility course has been a hit; the course includes steps, tunnels and jumps for dogs. The city’s police department used to train its K-9 unit with those items.
Q. What rules do people need to follow?
A. Dog owners need to keep their eyes on their dogs. They need to clean up after their dogs. They should bring enough water. Guardians need to supervise children. A complete list of rules is available at the city’s Web site: www.ci.monroe.wa.us. Click on “Wiggly Field Dog Park Update.”
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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