I was horrified to arrive at Timberlake park to walk my dog, as I do regularly, to find that this is now a banned activity.

I’ve been walking my dog in Timberlake park weekly for about 18 months now and have no idea of a comparable area where I will walk now. This is the only shaded walk with access to the water I know of in Issaquah.

There has been no consultation or advance warning that I am aware of either.

I appreciate that there have been complaints about dogs off leash and conflicts with other park users, but there has been no attempt to enforce the leash law. Surely this would have been a more appropriate and measured response. I could understanding banning dogs if the issues were not able to be resolved, but as a first response it seems very discriminatory.

I don’t think that driving to Sammamish or Redmond daily is in line with trying to be more environmentally friendly either.

Also, with the price of gas rising again, this is not a viable option for everyone.

If it is possible for dogs and people to coexist well in Sammamish State Park, why is this not possible at Timberlake Park?

I pay to license my dogs, pay my taxes for living in Issaquah, I feel I have a right to question this decision.

Layla Loveless

Issaquah

I am writing regarding new signs posted at Timberlake Park along West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE enforcing Municipal Code 6.08.021, Ord. 1567, which bans domestic animals entirely from the park.

Applying this outdated code to Timberlake Park is a disservice to the community, and a gross misuse of public funds.

Any frequenter of this park knows that between 75-90 percent of visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the trail and the beach.

Due to its neighborhood location and small beachfront, it is rarely used for other purposes.

To prohibit animals at this park will tremendously reduce visitorship and vastly increase the amount of public dollars per visitor that are used to maintain it.

Granted, many visitors to the park take advantage of the safe and secluded environment to let their dogs off leash, and this can create problems.

No doubt, either due to the complaint of some or an unfortunate incident, these few individuals have ruined the use of the park for hundreds, even thousands.

Ultimately, though, it is a question of whether the City intends on enforcing Municipal Code 6.08.020 (leash law) properly.

Instead of banning animals entirely, a better alternative would be to make examples of those who refuse to obey leash laws and punish these accordingly.

Applying an archaic, 26 year old ordinance, to an enjoyable park is no way to solve a problem.

Instead, people will continue to disobey, creating confrontations among park visitors.

Please, let the city know how you feel, and help to allow our animals enjoy the beautiful neighborhood parks that make this community such an enjoyable place to live.

Joel Martin

Issaquah

I am very disappointed that the city of Issaquah has chosen to close Timberlake Park to dogs.

I walk there almost every morning with my dog.

Since the change there are fewer people using the park.

As this was the only park dogs were allowed in, it seems like people that have issues with dogs could find another place to go.

It is a real shame to have to get in our cars and drive to Mercer Island or Redmond for a dog park with water.

It seems counter-progressive to our city’s efforts to “go green.”

Although I was upset when the rules changed at all parks in Issaquah, I could understand that where there is play equipment it makes sense.

I think that a city that wants to be friendly to walkers needs to be friendly to dogs and dog owners.

Kathy Clark

Issaquah