BEFORE people go to dog parks, they need to understand dog behavior and the risks involved. For example, if the park is clearly divided into a big dog section and a small dog section, bring your dog to the appropriate section. You don't see Great Danes lounging in the small dog park. Likewise, fluffy-white-rabbit-looking dogs like Shih Tzus don't belong in big dog parks. Furthermore, people need to understand what is play behavior and when it will escalate into a fight. Unfortunately, most park goers in my area are either hypersensitive or completely apathetic. In your case, the owner definitely needs a bit of schooling on that part.
yes yes yes! I agree 1000%! its sad to hear stories about dogs hurting each other, dogs killing small dogs etc, but its up to the owners on all sides of the stories to be KNOWLEDGABLE and responsible. I *love* my local park Magnuson because it has a small dog area. Its the only one I know of that does and I think thats so important and hope others will follow suit.

live in Silverdale and take him to the one in Poulsbo... the pitties that usually go to the park are sweet and friendly, but their owners are always on alert in case something irritates them. We haven't had any major problems at that park and I've been going there for over a year. YOu're lucky, you live up near Seattle and have easier access to marymoor and magnusson... I would love to be able to take Noba hound there all the time... Hopefully, this was a one time deal at the park. Most of the "regulars" there won't stand for stupidity!!
thats good to hear that usually you have good experiences! and it sounds like you have good people at your park too, its same same at mag & marymoor- the regulars will not put up with idiots and have learned to speak up when necessary. I imagine thats one of the main reasons I havent yet witnessed anything serious at either park (since those are the only 2 I go to!) and yeah, marymoor especially is so worth the drive. I used to go all the way there from everett. when I was in capitol hill my apt was only a few mins from 520 so it was really quick and easy to get there, now magnuson is closer to me so we usually go there, but I try to make it to marymoor at least once a week. it was actually voted best dog park in the country by the BARk magazine!