Off-leash areas for dogs will be constructed in four Allegheny County parks, possibly by summer, Parks Director Andrew Baechle said.

The new areas will be built in North and South parks, at Hartwood and at White Oak Park.

Yesterday, Baechle talked about the off-leash areas as members of the county parks commission took a bus tour of White Oak Park. The commission, formed last summer, is holding meetings at parks around the county to familiarize members with them and what is needed to improve them.

White Oak Park Manager Bonnie Martin said workers are getting ready to dig post holes to fence in a two-acre tract near the main entrance that will serve as an off-leash area. She said a water line will be installed so that dogs will have a water supply. The county will install a portable toilet by the site, but may eventually build permanent restrooms there.

"We have a lot of people who are anxiously waiting for it," she said of the area for dogs.

Baechle said the off-leash area in South Park will be near Corrigan and Maple Springs drives. In North Park, an area that was used as a deer pen will be converted for dogs. At Hartwood, the area will be behind the amphitheater.

Baechle said all of the off-leash areas will be fenced, have water supplies and operate under strict rules requiring dog owners to clean up for their animals. He estimated that it will cost about $100,000 to develop the four areas.

The city has two off-leash areas in Frick Park and is preparing to develop an unfenced one in West Park, city Public Works Director Guy Costa said yesterday. The city hopes to build an off-leash area in Highland Park.

Costa said the city was concerned about the failure of some people to clean up after their dogs in the off-leash areas.

"But maintenance is improving," Costa said. "We are seeing more cooperation" from users.