If we build it, they will wag.

Junction City Dog Park
Coming Soon?

Sign the Petition

Junction City is blessed with several parks. Lovely places, all of them… if you happen to be a toddler, a pickleball enthusiast, or someone who enjoys staring wistfully at a “No Dogs Off-Leash” sign. But for dogs and their families? Not so much.
Most of our parks are right next to busy streets. They’re small. They have no fences. And while the police are friendly, they also have the tricky job of enforcing leash laws—yes, even in parks—which means a spontaneous game of fetch can turn into an impromptu civics lesson (with fines).

Junction City has over a dozen parks, but none allow off-leash play. There needs to be a safe place for dogs to exercise and socialize in Junction City. The neighboring, much smaller, communities can do it, so we should be able to, too! If we have a parks department budget to support so many parks, surely there can be one park that is dog friendly.

Why We Need a Dog Park

Safety for dogs: No more sprinting toward the highway like it’s the Boston Marathon.
Safety for humans: No more dislocating a shoulder because Sparky saw a squirrel.
Socialization: Dogs need to meet other dogs. Humans need to meet other humans. This is basically therapy without the co-pay.
Community spirit: A dedicated dog space turns “random people with pets” into “neighbors.”

Why It’s Good for Everyone (Even Non-Dog People)

We know what you’re thinking: “But I don’t own a dog.”
That’s fine! You still benefit from happier, calmer dogs in the community. Less barking at 2 a.m. More worn-out pups who greet the mail carrier with a tail wag instead of a barkathon. Somewhere besides your yard for them to poop. And if you do want a dog someday, you’ll already live in a town where dogs are treated like respected citizens instead of unlicensed moped drivers. Besides, with so many parks in Junction City. Is it too much to ask for one dog-friendly space?

What You Can Do

Email the Junction City Council. Call them. Send carrier pigeons (we don’t think they’re covered under leash laws… yet). Tell them you want a safe, fenced, friendly space for our four-legged residents.

Your voice matters. Especially when it’s saying, “Let’s give our dogs a place to run that isn’t the middle of 6th Street.”

Dogs can’t speak at City Council meetings. But you can.

Please sign the petition and, if you like, add your comments or your dog’s photo below. Thank you for your support!

All information on this form will be kept confidential except to present to the Junction City city council.

Please write to the city council to support the Junction City Dog Park.

Here is an example of a letter that you may use/customize to send to the city council:

Dear Junction City Council Members,

I am writing as a resident of Junction City to express my strong support for the development of a dedicated, thoughtfully designed dog park within our community.

While we are fortunate to have several public parks in town, none currently offer a safe and suitable space for dogs to exercise and socialize off-leash. Most parks are either too close to busy roads, lack secure fencing, or are simply not built with dogs in mind. Additionally, with active enforcement of leash laws in all public areas, responsible dog owners have no viable place to allow their pets to run freely, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

I urge the Council to consider allocating a portion of the Parks Department’s budget toward the creation of a purpose-built dog park that meets the needs of both dogs and their owners. This means more than just a small fenced patch of grass—it should include ample space for running, shaded areas, dog-friendly trails, and basic enrichment features such as agility structures or separate areas for small and large dogs. An adequately sized and well-planned dog park would promote safety, reduce conflicts in existing parks, and strengthen our sense of community by offering a social hub for dog owners.

Investing in a high-quality dog park aligns with the city’s values of livability, public health, and recreation. I hope you will take this important step toward making Junction City more welcoming and accommodating for all residents—two- and four-legged alike.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood, if desired]
[Optional: Email or Phone Number]

Click any of the names below to email the council member:

If you prefer a more cynical version, you can read my letter to the council here.

Suggested Features (from our community)

Nature Trail
Swimming/Water Play Area
Playground/Agility Course
Shaded Play Areas
Small Dog Area
Tall Fences for Escape Artists

Download Printable Flier

Neighborhood Friends

Here are some of the local pets who would like a safe, adequate space to play in and explore.

To add your pet, send a photo with their name here.

Comments

Here are some community comments in support of a Junction City Dog Park. Please use the form below to add yours.

A dedicated dog park in our town would not only provide a safe and controlled environment for dogs to exercise and socialize but would also foster a stronger sense of community among pet owners.

Dog parks can attract new residents and businesses to JC. Dog-friendly towns are seen as a desirable place to live and visit, which supports the local economy.

- Katie A.

"I’ve lived here for twenty years and I can’t believe we still don’t have a proper dog park. Parks should serve everyone: families, kids, seniors, and pet owners alike. We have the space and the funding; we just need the will to make it happen."

- M.L.

"My son connects with our dog in ways he doesn’t with people. A dog park would give us both a safe place to play and unwind. It’s not a luxury, it’s a need for families like ours."

- Christina

"My dog is my best therapy. A dog park would give both of us a place to get fresh air, move around, and meet people. It’s not just for dogs - it’s good for mental health."

- David, Veteran

"I walk my terrier every day, and it’s hard to find anywhere safe for him to run off-leash. I’m too old to keep driving to Eugene just for a dog park. Let’s have one here at home."

- Sandra R.

"I am a home owner in Junction City with a high energy dog who needs play/off leash time to get the exercise and stimulation she needs. In attempting to do so I have been approached by the police informing me this is not allowed, she must be on a leash. I feel I shouldn't have to drive out of town to be allowed this time. Please consider building a suitable dog park within JC"

- Pam M.