On Oct. 8, approximately seven acres of the lower trail area of McKinley Park and approximately seven acres in Point Defiance Park, located in the former Madrona Day Camp area on Five Mile Drive south of Fort Nisqually, opened up as off-leash demonstration areas.

Based on the substantial acreage available to provide a diversity of activities within these parks, the public identified interest in offering off-leash activities during recent master planning processes for both parks. McKinley’s 27 acres, located at 907 Upper Park St., and the vast 702 acres that make up Point Defiance Park provide an opportunity to create zoned areas where dogs and owners can roam while maintaining distance from other park activities.

“With urban growth, many home owners have only a small yard for their pets,” said Park Board President Victoria Woodards. “We’ve heard from many pet owners that they need space for their dogs to get meaningful exercise, so we are excited to provide an option within these parks for that to happen.”

Unlike a formal dog park, these off-leash demonstration areas are not fully fenced enclosures. The lower portion of McKinley Park is fenced, providing a barrier between the off-leash area and Interstate 5.

Guests must remain with their pets, keeping them within view and under verbal control to remain within the signed boundary markers at all times. Dogs are required by the Tacoma Municipal Code to be leashed in parks, except in designated off-leash areas.

Dogs must have current licensing and vaccinations. A complete list of off-leash rules will be posted at the entrances of each site and markers will be located around the perimeter of demonstration areas defining the off-leash boundaries.

Off-leash activities will be permitted during regular park hours. All Metro Parks Tacoma parks are open daily half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset.