WU-056 Strawberry Hill Dog Park Opening August 9

Dog lovers unite! The much-awaited Strawberry Hill Dog Park celebrates its grand opening this Saturday August 9th at 10am.

In this episode, BCB host Annie Osburn talks with Dan Hamlin, park services superintendent of the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, about this unique 2.35 acre, off-leash forest park. Completely fenced in, the park is designed for large and small dogs—and their owners—to meet and socialize with other dogs.

Located in the northwest portion of Strawberry Hill Park, the new dog park features double-gated separate entries for the large and small dog areas. Inside each area is a wash and water station. The park is surrounded by a leisurely loop trail so owners can keep their feet dry, if needed. Also featured is a special area for small, shy or recuperating dogs. The park is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Park rules and useful information are clearly posted on a kiosk inside the park.

Several years in the making, the creation of the Strawberry Hill Dog Park was a group effort involving local residents, Park District board members and employees and volunteers, including members of the Dog Advisory Work Group (DAWG), the Dog Owner Education Committee, and the Dog Advisory Committee.

“We’ve been working for the last four years to find a solution for the off-leash issue in our parks,” notes Hamlin. “We formed a committee after another round of public comments and, after looking into options for off-leash fenced in areas, the committee put together the design and construction of the park. It’s open and being used now. We’re holding our grand opening event this weekend to kick it off officially. Hopefully, we’ll see a lot of dogs show up.”

To learn more about the Strawberry Hill Dog Park, go to www.biparks.org or call 206-842-2306.

Credits: BCB host Annie Osburn; audio editor and What’s Up music splash: Tim Bird; FerryMusic: Dogfish Bay Studios; podcast art: artopia creative.