Q: Are there any good off-leash parks in the Federal Way area? Seattle is crammed full of dog-friendly spaces. Where can a Federal Way resident take her pugs for an off-leash run with other well-behaved dogs?
A: According to some of Mr. Federal Way’s dog-loving friends, the best off-leash dog park in town is the French Lake Dog Park, located at 31531 1st Ave. S.
The 10-acre facility is the former home of Golfun, the short-lived modified golf course that had players use a dimpled rubber ball that was about 10 times bigger than a normal golf ball. Players would attempt to hit the ball into an oversized hole.
Let’s just say that Mr. Federal Way, who had the “pleasure” of playing 18 holes at Golfun, wasn’t shocked at all when the gimmick course closed its doors.
But the closing of Golfun opened the way for the off-leash dog park.
In the spring of 2005, dog-loving patrons learned that some residents and neighbors wanted modifications made to the park to attract more use by neighborhood residents and discourage off-leash use. In response, an informal but determined group organized to get the park officially designated as a legal off-leash park.
Its supporters testified, spoke and attended numerous public hearings and meetings to convince the City of Federal Way to officially declare French Lake Park an off-leash park. People can even donate to the French Lake Dog Park by visiting parkpals.org/donate. The other place that Mr. Federal Way has seen dogs running around is on Weyerhaeuser property near the world headquarters on Weyerhaeuser Way, near I-5.
Q: I have a job offer in the Federal Way area and could use your help with recommendations, as far as reading and gathering info on life, work and rentals, etc.
A: Wow, thank you for the question and putting your trust in Mr. Federal Way in helping you take a huge step in your life. There isn’t a lot that is more intimidating than moving to a new community, along with starting a new job.
To be honest with you, it’s a little surprising that you would think of Mr. Federal Way for recommendations on life in the city.
But it’s even more surprising that you actually got a job offer from a business in the Federal Way area. Yes, Mr. Federal Way just made a joke. Hey-oh!
The first place that Mr. Federal Way would start is the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber can offer you information about anything involved in Federal Way. FederalWayChamber.com has a massive amount of topics centered on Federal Way. Things like a business directory, schools, restaurants and a calendar about events around the city.
In terms of where to live, Federal Way is like other cities in King County. There are some good areas and some bad areas. Obviously, the closer you get to the Puget Sound, the better the neighborhoods and the higher the rental prices.
Hope this helps a little bit.
Q: Mr. Federal Way, I read on The Mirror’s website that the president of the Federal Way Symphony invited you and Mrs. Federal Way to a performance. Will you be attending a performing arts event in Federal Way in the near future?
A: Mr. Federal Way will give you the politically-correct answer to your question — Mr. Federal Way will look into the option, but don’t reserve any opera glasses just yet.
