Dogs get another three years at Cedar River Dog Park

Dogs in Renton have a place to roam free, at least for another three years.

The Renton City Council voted Monday to approve a three-year extension of use for the Cedar River Dog Park.

“That’s a good thing for us,” said Kevin Poole, president of RUFF, Renton’s Unleashed Furry Friends volunteer group.

Poole has two dogs that he frequents the dog park with a few times a month.

Before he used to have to go to dog parks in Bellevue and Seatac to give his dogs the freedom and exercise they craved.

“We’re very excited that the term has been renewed for the site,” Poole said.

The dog park was built in September 2009 as a partnership between the City of Renton and RUFF.

The park sits on the Narco site, close to the Cedar River.

The City of Renton and RUFF spends $2,000 each on expenses for the dog park.

“A lot of people are using the park, especially on warmer days,” said Poole.

There are 494 email subscribers to the dog park.

There have also been a lot of site improvements requested, according to Poole, but they are limited by what they can do to the site by the stipulations of the Narco property.

Two volunteer projects have been completed in the park since it was created. A wheelchair accessible gate was built and dog-agility equipment was added.

RUFF sponsors a “Responsible Dog Owners Day” every September with the American Kennel Club and the Terrier Club of Puget Sound.

At the event the city provides dog licenses for purchase, AKC Canine Good Citizen testing and other educational information.

The City of Renton conducted an electronic survey in November 2011 regarding dog park experiences, cleanliness, parking and recommendations. The survey found that 87 percent of the respondents rated their park experience as “great” or “good.”

Stephanie Heinke and Doug Brevick of Renton visited the dog park for the first time Tuesday, with their black lab, Toby. Toby romped with the other dogs on a warm day, as they looked on.

They’ve taken Toby to the dog park at Marymoor Park in Redmond, but they like that Renton’s dog park is an easy “beautiful” walk from home.

“I am glad they renewed the lease,” Heinke said.

Contact Renton Reporter Staff writer Tracey Compton at tcompton@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5052.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.