The Off-Leash-dog park is located on the north side of the Warren G. Magnuson Park.
The story of Magnuson Park is one of a tremendous gift to the public that became the target of a large number of interest groups. Soon after the Sand Point Naval Air Station was deactivated on June 30, 1970, the Seattle City Councilwoman Jeanette Williams (1914-2008), wanted to change the park for recreational use. The aviation issue went to two public votes. It was first supported in a King Countywide advisory vote on September 17, 1974. It was then rejected in a Seattle vote on November 5 of the same year. Despite continued legal action by the aviationists, plans for the park went ahead. While 100 acres of the naval property became Western Headquarters of NOAA, the remaining 195.6 acres was planned out as a city park.
On December 26, 1975, the park was dedicated as Sand Point Park. It was renamed Warren G. Magnuson Park -- an unusual move since Magnuson was still living -- and opened officially on May 29, 1977.
Dog owners had long argued the need for off-leash areas in Seattle parks. The Parks Board had ruled against such areas in 1985, but pooch owners and their advocates carried on doggedly. Finally, in 1996, the City Council agreed to a year-long trial period for seven off-leash areas, including one in Magnuson Park. The Magnuson Off Leash Area became a permanent site in 1999. The Magnuson Off Leash Group was formed that year to steward the park.
On September 20, 2004, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels presided to rededicate Magnuson Park as expanded to include the entire Sand Point Historic District. The ceremony recognized the expansion and the naming of the entire enlarged park after the late Senator Warren G. Magnuson.
