Frequently Asked Questions

Is it the Parks Department or COLA who is responsible for making improvements to the off-leash areas?
The Parks Department is responsible for providing routine maintenance to the off-leash areas. COLA acts as the officially-recognized steward group to the Parks Department, which means COLA meets with Parks quarterly to address maintenance and other issues related to the off-leash areas. Once issues are identified as necessary action items, Parks is responsible for the actual implementation. However, recent budget cuts in city departments - including the Parks Department - have forced COLA to shoulder the financial burden of improving the OLAs.

I see new benches in the parks with small plaques - how can I donate a bench?
Benches can be donated to your favorite off-leash area by contacting COLA via email or by phone. Since there is a limited amount of space and/or need for benches at certain parks, this program may be discontinued once the limit has been reached.

Are there any new off-leash areas being proposed?
Yes! There is a very active campaign to include an OLA in Gas Works Park, and the area under the I-5 bridge is currently being planned to include an off-leash area. Regrade Park has been approved as a pilot site and is currently being in the design phase. Please refer to the News section of the website for up-to-date infromation on all these projects.

How do I start a new off-leash area in my neighborhood?
COLA has a committee specifically created to help communities with the process of creating new off-leash areas. If you are interested in working with this committee, or have an idea for a good location, contact COLA!

How is the Magnuson Off-Leash Group (MOLG) different from COLA?
A group of users created the Magnsuon Off-Leash Group (MOLG) to concentrate their efforts on creating a permanent off-leash areas with water access at Magnuson Park. The off-leash area at Magnuson Park is under the umbrella of COLA, and MOLG is the steward group for the park. COLA supports the Magnuson Off-Leash Group's endeavors to maintain and improve the Magnuson OLA.

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