To establish a fenced in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife.  To provide a common area, where dogs can play and learn to socialize with other dogs and people.  To develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park’s rules and restrictions.  To view this park as a community project, in partnership with King County and the City of Bellevue, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike. 

Unfortunately, no off-leash dog parks currently exist in the Downtown Bellevue vicinity. And just as other residents enjoy the convenience of public swimming pools, jogging trails, golf courses, and playgrounds, dog owners need a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in an off-leash environment.

 An off-leash dog park study was presented to the Bellevue City Council in 2009. As recent as May 2012, the need for several off-leash dog parks was discussed at the City Council meeting.  They have once again tabled the idea and the funding for developing an off-leash dog park.  Please sign this petition and help us encourage The City of Bellevue to develop an off-leash dog park in the Downtown Bellevue vicinity.

The study recommended one facility per every 30,000 residents.  The 2010 census states Bellevue’s population as 122,363.  The Downtown Bellevue corridor alone has over 12,207 residents and continues to grow.

This petition is not meant to attack nor reflect unfavorably upon The City of Bellevue, but to show that such a facility is in high demand and would greatly benefit the greater community in the following ways:

1) It promotes responsible pet ownership. Most dogs require exercise that leash restrictions do not permit. The physical and mental benefit provided by healthy play with other dogs is integral for dogs longevity and weight control. Dogs are social animals whose mental health is improved by interaction with people and other canines. Happy, healthy dogs are calmer, and more well-behaved, reducing nuisance barking, aggression, and other behavioral problems exhibited by idle and/or non-socialized dogs.

2) It fosters positive community-building and networking opportunities by providing an environment for social interaction for people, as well as their pets. There are many newly relocated families in downtown Bellevue that would greatly benefit by having the opportunity to connect with new people sharing a common interest, and create a lasting, social network.

3) Dog park patrons tend to be people who appreciate the park and take an 'ownership interest' in it. As a result, they keep the area clean and free of criminal activities and other bad elements.

By signing the petition, you are showing support for the above mission statement and agree to have this information forwarded to King County and City of Bellevue officials and land development companies if required.