KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Tri-Cities, known for its dog-friendly environment, currently hosts only one dog park in the metro area. However, this is about to change, much to the delight of local dog owners.
Marie Bleazard, a resident living on a farm north of Pasco, makes a daily commute to Richland with her husband and their dog. Their primary destination is the Richland Dog Park, which serves as a social hub not just for their pet but for themselves as well.
“For many older people, these outings are a form of socialization,” Bleazard shared. Upon learning from Apple Valley News Now’s Austin Reed that Kennewick is set to open a new dog park, she expressed her gratitude.
“That’s fantastic! There are so many dogs in the Tri-Cities,” Bleazard remarked. “It would be great to have more than one park for everyone.”
Nick Farline, Kennewick’s Parks, Recreation & Facilities Director, provided details about the upcoming project on Tuesday. “Without dedicated dog parks, every park ends up being used as one,” Farline explained. “Our comprehensive planning—both from a few years ago and our latest plan—highlighted the need for a dog park as a top priority for the community.”
The new dog park will be located behind the Toyota of Tri-Cities Playground of Dreams at Columbia Park, spanning approximately 3.25 acres. Construction is slated to begin by the end of the summer, with an expected opening by year’s end. While additional sponsorship funding is still being secured, it is nearing finalization.
Farline noted the widespread interest in a new dog park, having engaged with visitors at the Richland Dog Park. “We found people from Kennewick and Pasco making the trip to Richland because there’s no alternative. This new location will be much more accessible,” he said.
The park’s design will feature separate areas for small, medium, and large dogs, which Bleazard emphasized as crucial. “It’s important for these areas to be fenced,” she stated. “Some dogs don’t always listen well.”
Farline added that the dog park is just the first step in broader plans for Columbia Point Park.
