A BULLDOG MIX looks at the camera as if to figure out what the photographer is doing.
TWO TIRED DOGS catch their breath after some active play at a dog-park. Trainers say dogs that are socialized and get regular exercise have fewer behavior problems.
DOGS GREET one another at a Clark County leash-free dog park as their owners watch.
RENOVATIONS, including an asphalt parking lot and new grass, will keep Lucky Dog Park near Brush Prairie closed for the near future.
A Doberman pinscher bends its head down to sniff a Jack Russell terrier. Not far away, two Labrador retrievers race for a yellow tennis ball thrown by their owner. Other dogs mingle as their humans talk, mostly about dogs.
Apparently canines enjoy socializing as much as people do. At least that’s one of the premises of Clark County’s five leash-free dog parks, some of which are easily accessible to North County residents. The parks were built by the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization Dog Owners for Park Access in Washington (DOGPAW).
“Clark County is a great place to socialize your dog in a contained environment,” said DOGPAW chairwoman Cindy Franke. “Dogs that are highly socialized and exercised are healthier and happier. They are less likely to bark or be destructive if they are able to expend pent-up energy during regular play or exercise.”
The park closest to Battle Ground is called Lucky Dog Park in honor of Lucky, a Clark County Police K9 killed in the line of duty. The 7.5-acre fenced space is at the west end of NE 149th Street off of 117th Avenue. There’s an agility course created by DOGPAW through a grant from the Nutro Co.
Lucky Dog Park is closed until Feb. 15, 2015, to allow construction. Clark County Parks Director Bill Bjerke said a paved parking lot has been added to allow safer exiting from the park. There’s some new grass, too, which will take a little more time to take firm root. Bjerke said there’s a chance the closure might last another month or two.
Kane Dog Park is named for Kane, another Clark County police K9 killed in the line of duty. It’s two acres of open terrain with some forested areas at NE 172nd Avenue and NE 119th Street. Those visiting the dog park must walk their pet on a leash for one-third mile to the site north of ball fields and parking. There’s no water available at this park.
Dakota Memorial Dog Park is located in Pacific Community Park at NE 18th Street and NE 164th Avenue in east Vancouver. Dakota was another police K9 killed in the line of duty. This park is about eight acres of flat, open fields with a gravel walking trail.
Ross Dog Park is next to the BPA Ross substation off I-5 and Highway 99. DOGPAW members call this eight-acre parcel their flagship park. The terrain includes some open fields and some hilly sections. There’s an area for small dogs near the main park entrance at NE 15th Avenue.
Stevenson Dog Park in Washougal has seven acres of flat ground and a one-acre small dog area. Both areas may be accessed from Bi-Mart’s parking lot.
Clark County Parks Director Bill Bjerke said it’s possible that a sixth leash-free dog park might be on the way.
“We are looking at another site at Salmon Creek,” he said. “It’s being talked about, but I don’t know if it will get any traction.”
The parks’ 2015-2016 budget, and possible new construction, will be discussed Fri., Jan. 9, during the Clark County Parks Advisory Board’s regular meeting from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at 4700 NE 78th.
All dog parks in the county include plastic bag dispensers so owners can clean up after their pet. The parks are fenced with double-gate entries.
DOGPAW relies on memberships, donations and fundraising events to finance its maintenance of the parks. More information can be found on Facebook under DOGPAW Clark or at wwwclarkdogpaw.org.
