Residents are trying to develop an off-leash dog park in Newcastle.

The projects organizers, Jim Palzer, Craig Proctor, MJ Dobbins and Allen Dauterman (and over 100 other dog owners and growing) are working with the Newcastle Parks Commission and the Newcastle City Council to establish a new off-leash dog park within the city.

The group would like to have a 1.3 acre space on the north end of Lake Boren Park, which is within walking distance to many residential communities, the city’s core and where many pet owners are already walking their dogs.

The goal here is to have a central park area that is available for everybody and to not exclude people who have pets.

Today, dog owners not using a leash face a $250 fine at Lake Boren Park. Also, many parents are uncomfortable with dogs either on leash or roaming free near children’s play areas. The proposed dog park would be far from children’s play areas and completely fenced in, organizers say.

The group estimates the project would cost $25,000, which could be paid for through donations and/or capitol funds the city has already set aside for improvements to Lake Boren Park. Some of that money was going to be used for recent play equipment until state funding covered the entire $325,000 project.

Those interested in the project can contact Jim Palzer at jimpalzer@yahoo.com or at 206-818-9115.