SUNDogs, with the support of the University Place City Council, convinced the Pierce County Council in 2007 to include three future off-leash dog area within the Master Site Plan for the Chambers Creek Properties in University Place.

The Chambers Creek Properties is a 924 acre property located on Puget Sound, primarily located in University Place as well as the City of Lakewood and town of Steilacoom. Current access points within University Place are located along Grandview Drive going south from 48th Street to the Chambers Bay Golf entrance and around the corner to the field access points on 64th Street near Chambers Creek Road West.

Directions: From Interstate 5, take the 56th Street West exit (toward University Place). The road eventually turns into Cirque Drive. Take a left turn on Grandview Drive and park on the road or in designated parking spots. The trails are on your right overlooking Puget Sound.

Since the adoption of the Master Site plan, the County has developed the award winning Chambers Bay Golf Course as well as a 3.25 Mile walking loop open to walkers, joggers and dogs on leash. There are also three proposed future off leash areas on the site: North Beach, South Area and Chambers Canyon.

North Beach: Access to the North Beach off-leash area is tied to the design and construction of an overpass over the railroad tracks using a combination of state, federal and sewer utility funds. Construction to slated to begin 2008/2009 with completion in 2010. Upon opening, unleashed dogs will have access to a portion of the beach area.

South Area: Under the county’s current plans, the South Area would contain a permanent off leash area, approximately six to seven acres in size. Although some county staff have indicated certain site improvements are needed before the public can access the South Area, the SUNDogs group is negotiating with Pierce County officials to either pursue the development of an interim site in the Central Area and/or streamline the process to develop a permanent off leash area in the South Area. SUNDogs is placing a priority on implementing this option as quickly as possible to develop a fenced off leash park.

Canyon Area: Much of the Chambers Creek Canyon is contained with the Chambers Creek Properties owned by Pierce County. The proposed off-leash area is tied to improvements within the lower canyon which are scheduled for construction in 2010. Although an off-leash area would not be available until after construction, dogs are allowed on leash in this area today.