This month two new dog parks open, and although they aren't in Seattle proper, more options for free-range play in the region -- less crowding, serving underserved areas -- is good for everyone.

For folks on the plateau who've had to trek to Marymoor in Redmond, Bark Park in Issaquah, or Luther Burbank on Mercer Island, Sammamish now has an off-leash zone to call its own at Beaver Lake Park, just behind the ball fields off 244th Avenue Southeast. With gas at almost $4, this is good news for wallets as well as Weimaraners.

The two-acre fenced facility is divided into small-dog and large-dog areas, and features benches, a trail through the woods and doggy water fountains. Grand opening Beaver Lake Park Off-Leash Area is Thursday, May 15, at 2 p.m. with dogs and dignitaries celebrating the occasion. (For more information, call 425-295-0585.)

Meanwhile, Ebey Island Dog Park, a free public canine sports park covering five acres just east of downtown Everett, is nearly open for fetch. Two acres are escape-proof in time for opening day, Sunday, May 18, but you can be among the first to consecrate the park by joining a work party on Saturday, May 17. (Dogs are welcome for a little off-leash frolic.)

Please note: Ebey Island Dog Park (one mile east of I-5 next to the Highway 2 trestle) is a work in progress. There is no water, plastic bags or waste disposal facilities on site yet. Bring what you need and plan on packing out any waste.

Check online for work party details and directions.

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