Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park

For dog owners in Lacey and the broader Thurston County region of Washington, the Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park (also known as the Hawks Prairie Dog Park) is a truly invaluable community asset. This expansive 5-acre fenced area provides a dedicated and safe environment where dogs can run, play, and socialize to their heart's content. It’s a place where the joy of unleashed freedom is evident in every wagging tail and playful bark.

Locals frequently praise this park for its thoughtful amenities and the responsible community it fosters. From "great entrance gates" ensuring security to "multiple places to fill water bowls," the park is designed with both canine and human convenience in mind. A significant highlight for many is the separate, shaded area specifically for smaller or shyer pups, demonstrating a commitment to creating a comfortable experience for all dogs. Despite its proximity to a transfer station, visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the lack of odors, making it a consistently enjoyable outdoor destination. It truly feels like a good community gathers here, making it a top choice for dog owners in Washington.

The Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park is conveniently located at 2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516, USA. Situated within Thurston County, it is easily accessible for residents of Lacey, Olympia, and surrounding communities. The park is specifically located behind the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC), which is often mentioned by locals as a landmark.

To reach the park from I-5, you can take Exit 111 (Marvin Road) and head north, then turn east onto Hogum Bay Road NE. The entrance to the Waste and Recovery Center will be on your right, and the dog park is just inside that gate. Parking for the dog park is available inside the gate to the Waste and Recovery Center, right next to Closed Loop Park. This integrated parking makes access straightforward.

The park is generally open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, offering ample opportunities for visits throughout the day. Its fenced perimeter, coupled with "great entrance gates" (double-gated sally ports), ensures a secure environment, preventing accidental escapes. While some reviewers note "not much shade" in the main large dog area, particularly on hot days, the separate small dog area is praised for having "some good shade," indicating options for different weather conditions.

Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park provides a comprehensive set of services designed to ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for all its visitors:

• Expansive Fenced Off-Leash Area: The park features a generous 5-acre fenced area, providing plenty of room for dogs to run, play, and socialize freely.
• Separate Small/Shy Dog Area: A dedicated, separately fenced area is available for smaller or shyer dogs. This thoughtful feature allows more timid pups to play without being overwhelmed by larger or more boisterous canines, and notably, this side often offers more shade.
• Multiple Water Stations: The park is equipped with several water stations, allowing owners to easily fill water bowls for their thirsty dogs. This is a crucial amenity, especially on warmer days.
• Sand and Gravel Digging Area: A designated sand and gravel area is provided for dogs that love to dig, redirecting this natural behavior to an appropriate space.
• Bone-Shaped Brick Entrance: A unique and playful bone-shaped brick entrance adds a touch of charm, often featuring personalized bricks (available for purchase to support the park).
• Perimeter Walking Trail: A walking trail circles the perimeter of the off-leash area, providing a pleasant path for owners to stroll while their dogs play.
• Waste Bag Dispensers and Receptacles: To promote cleanliness, pet waste bag dispensers and trash receptacles are readily available throughout the park, encouraging responsible cleanup after pets.

Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park boasts several key features that make it a standout destination for dog owners in Washington:

• Size and Space: At 5 acres, it offers substantial open space, allowing dogs ample room for high-speed running, games of fetch, and group play.
• Safety and Security: The fully fenced perimeter and double-gated entrances (sally ports) provide a high level of security, giving owners peace of mind that their dogs are safe within the designated area.
• Inclusivity for All Dogs: The separate shaded area for small and shy dogs is a significant highlight, making the park welcoming and comfortable for dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
• Thoughtful Amenities: The provision of multiple water stations, a dedicated digging area, and seating benches demonstrates a commitment to visitor comfort and canine well-being.
• Engaging Community: Reviewers consistently highlight the "good neighbors" and "pretty good community" that frequent the park, fostering positive interactions among both dogs and their owners.
• Unique Design Elements: The bone-shaped brick entrance and "decorative fire hydrants" add a touch of whimsy and personality to the park's design.
• Elevated Location: Being "on a hill" provides a "nice feeling" and contributes to good drainage and potentially better air circulation, preventing it from smelling "up" from the nearby transfer station.

As a public park managed by Thurston County Parks, the Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park does not offer commercial promotions or special discounts in the retail sense. Access to the park is free for all visitors, as it serves as a valuable public amenity for the community.

However, the park does have an ongoing "special offer" in the form of its "Buy a Brick" program. This initiative allows individuals to purchase personalized, sand-blasted bricks that are incorporated into the bone-shaped entrance. These bricks can celebrate a current pet, memorialize a past companion, or simply show support for the off-leash dog area. Proceeds from this program benefit the Hawks Prairie off-leash dog site and other future off-leash areas built by Thurston County. This is a fantastic way for locals to contribute directly to the improvement and maintenance of their beloved dog park.

Any other "promotions" would typically involve community-organized events or initiatives by Thurston County Parks & Recreation. For example, local dog-themed meetups (such as the "Adventureweiner Club" mentioned for dachshunds) sometimes utilize the park. To stay informed about such events, potential park clean-up days, or other community engagement opportunities, locals are encouraged to check the official Thurston County Parks & Recreation website or local community calendars and social media groups dedicated to dog owners in the area.

For general inquiries about Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park or other facilities managed by Thurston County Parks & Recreation, you can use the following details:

Address: 2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516, USA

Phone: You can contact Thurston County Public Works (which oversees Parks & Trails) or Joint Animal Services for information regarding the dog park.

Thurston County Public Works: (360) 786-5595 (This is the primary number provided for the park)

Mobile Phone: +1 360-786-5595 (Same as the primary number)

Joint Animal Services: (360) 352-2510 (Also a relevant contact for animal-related inquiries)

You can also find more information on the official Thurston County website under their Parks & Trails section.

For dog owners across Washington, and particularly for those in Lacey and the wider Thurston County area, the Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly valued recreational hub. Its core suitability lies in its generous 5-acre expanse, which offers ample room for dogs of all sizes to engage in vigorous exercise and free-spirited play. This vast space ensures that even on busy days, dogs have enough room to run, chase, and explore without feeling cramped, contributing significantly to their physical and mental well-being.

The park's thoughtful design, including secure, double-gated entrances and multiple water stations, highlights its commitment to safety and convenience. What truly makes it ideal for locals, however, is the dedicated and shaded separate area for small or shy dogs. This crucial feature demonstrates an understanding of varied canine temperaments, ensuring that every dog, regardless of size or social comfort level, can have a positive and stress-free experience. This attention to detail fosters a more harmonious environment for all park visitors.

Beyond the physical amenities, the park cultivates a strong sense of community. As noted by regular visitors, it's a place where "good neighbors" and "responsible" dog owners converge, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Even its unique location near a transfer station proves to be a non-issue, with the park consistently surprising visitors with its pleasant environment. For any Washington local seeking a spacious, secure, well-equipped, and community-oriented off-leash park where their beloved canine can truly thrive, the Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park is an undeniable top choice. It’s more than just a park; it’s a vital part of the local pet-loving community.