Upgraded Digs for Dogs (and Dog Owners) Coming To Mountain View Dog Park

Two-legged and four-legged visitors to the Mountain View Dog Park in Port Townsend are enjoying the first of two new features that should make their experience more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Seven young birch trees were planted in the northeast corner of the dog park close to the pickleball courts, on March 22.

The tree-planters, Rachel May, a Park Operator with City of Port Townsend Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and Sarah Fisher, a senior at Port Townsend High School who volunteered for the project, were hoping to have more volunteers join them.

The low turnout was likely due to the cancelation of the first advertised date for the planting the previous weekend due to inclement weather.

May was happy to get her hands dirty for the cause. “I made this my senior project because I am into dogs and I wanted to help out,” she said.

The current height of the trees is between 10 and 12 feet, so they should begin providing substantial shade within a year or two.

Shelter from the rain and sun

While the trees will provide shade for dogs and humans, a weather shelter slated to be constructed this summer should make visiting the park more inviting during periods of rain or hot sun.

The dog park has grown in popularity over the past several years as more residents seek outdoor recreation and social opportunities for their pets. However, Port Townsend‘s wet and windy winters often limit use, particularly for older residents or those with mobility concerns.

The planned structure will be approximately 20‘ x 20‘ and provide overhead coverage, seating and a gathering point where park users can stay dry.

The community was the primary force in bringing the shelter project to fruition. A group called the Port Townsend Tail Waggers actively advocated for the shelter, according to Facilities and Parks Manager Michael Todd. 

Funding for the project came from a donation from the estate of Jim Todd, a long time member of the city’s Parks board until his passing last year. Todd—no relation to Michael Todd—“was a big advocate for off leash dog parks, and he really pushed for the Mountain View dog park to be built,” said Todd.

Considering the tight parks budget that Jefferson County is grappling with, Todd feels fortunate that the City is receiving in-kind and financial contributions from the community for these parks improvements. The Jim Todd Estate donation was $20,000.

Construction timelines are still being finalized, but Todd aims to complete the shelter by this summer. He said that he is open to the possibility of community members building the shelter.

Todd described the dog park as an example of how public space has evolved in response to active use and citizen engagement. Waterlines with spigots were installed a couple of years ago to enable visitors to have water for themselves and their dogs. 

More playful pups can jump onto and through a tractor tire in the park. The park consists of two larger pens with a fence running between them, and a third, small dog area connected to both by the gate at the top of the park. 

“The park is about more than dogs,” Todd said. “It's about people connecting with each other and with the outdoors.”