The following is a release from King County:

King County Parks wants everyone to enjoy visiting the thousands of acres of parks and open space, along with the hundreds of miles of regional and backcountry trails that are under the county’s stewardship.

However, a recent uptick in reports by park and trail visitors about potentially dangerous situations involving off-leash dogs and other violations of the county’s “code of conduct” has created the need for an education and awareness campaign – and possibly big fines for flagrant offenders.

Beginning this weekend, King County Sheriff’s deputies will patrol several parks and trails to provide patrons with information about leash laws and other rules that are intended to keep everyone safe.

A violation of the leash law can result in a monetary fine of up to $500.

“King County’s parks and trails are valuable assets that link communities and enhance our region’s tremendous quality of life,” said Washington Trails Association Executive Director Karen Daubert. “By following a few basic rules, visitors are ensuring that these wonderful places can be enjoyed by all.”

Dog owners who want to give their charges some off-leash time are encouraged to visit King County’s Marymoor Park, where “Doggy Disneyland” awaits. The 40-acre off-leash park at Marymoor offers dogs plenty of open space for running, romping and even a quick splash into the Sammamish River.

This is the only place in King County Parks’ 28,000 acres of parks and open space where dogs are allowed to roam off-leash. Everywhere else – including along the 175-mile regional trail system and the 215-mile backcountry trail system – dogs are certainly welcome, so long as they are on a leash at all times.