Dog parks are by far one of the top features on the bucket list for municipal and community parks. Dog parks can be wonderful additions to a community, either as an addition to an existing community park or as a stand-alone dog-specific park. People who are thinking of building a dog park should be aware that there are many pitfalls to be found along the way. Although they are important and necessary components, building a dog park is not just about the business plan or the architectural drawings. It’s not just about the perfect plot of land you want to use, the type of fence you’ll be putting up, or the unique sign you want to put on your driveway. Before you do anything, find out about your market, learn about the dogs and the people who own them.

To have a safe park, you must have rules and make sure they are followed; must have a supervised park. While many who use dog parks may be experienced dog owners who realize they still have a lot to learn about dogs, many people are first-time dog owners who think they know it all. Dogs need to be interested in being social first and foremost for them to have a positive experience at a dog park. Imagine mixing all the dogs together in an off-leash environment? You really never know what’s going to happen, so supervision is imperative. There are several models of dog parks. Municipal dog parks are usually free and open to the public 24/7. Although most have posted rules, there is no one to make sure people abide by those rules. These parks are where most of the problems are found. Member-based parks generally charge a fee and require people and their dogs to be registered. Many paid parks require dogs to pass a temperament test before being admitted to the park, and people are asked to attend an orientation session. It’s not a good idea to mix small and large dogs in an off-leash environment. Many dog ​​parks have an area for small dogs and an area for large dogs.

According to a recent Humane Society study, at least one dog can be found in about 39% of American households. As a result, America’s largest cities have seen a comparable 34% increase in the number of dog parks in the last 10 years. With dog parks on the rise, parks and recreation departments now have a variety of equipment, pet waste solutions, and other products within easy reach.

The basics:

Although it’s not always possible, successful dog parks are often launched in spaces that are not currently used. To determine the correct location, look for areas that:

• Currently sees high use of dogs
• They are outside the parameters of the main parks
• It will not affect wildlife or water quality.
• They are evenly distributed throughout the city.
• They are near the parking lot
• They are away from existing playgrounds, residential areas, and heavy traffic.
• they are rainfed and irrigated
• They are at least 5,000 square feet

*It can also be helpful to place your dog park along a trail system to give dog owners more opportunity to walk their four-legged companions.

While grass is currently the most common surface option for larger dog parks, bark chips (pun intended), sand, gravel, granite, or synthetic turf can also be used. Budget, weather, park size, surrounding park usage and amenities should be considered when determining what acreage should be used. Dividing a dog park down the middle, alternating which side is open, can help preserve the acreage of larger dog parks, while letting a smaller dog park get dirty may be a better option.

Fencing first:

Depending on the demographics of the dog breed and the needs of pet owners in your area, fencing is usually pretty standard in smaller off-leash areas, while larger ones often go unfenced. To create a more seamless dog park operation, parks and recreation departments are getting a bit more strategic in their fence placement, while many parks simply use a typical setup. This configuration includes two sets of doors in the entrance areas to allow pet owners to close the outer door and unbind their dog before opening the inner door and heading to the main area. Others, however, use a separate entry and exit area. If your potential dog park area contains a pond or other water source, it’s a good idea to place additional fencing around the body of water to prevent dogs from taking unnecessary baths.

Park features:

Today’s dog parks range from basic parcels of land to elaborate pet play areas with ponds, spray features, agility equipment, and other park amenities. The basics are now becoming standard, especially when it comes to staying fresh and refreshed. Although slightly less important in more moderate climates, whether it’s a shade structure or trees, providing shade from the heat is especially important for both pets and their owners. From a simple pet water fountain to a more elaborate fire hydrant, water is a welcome gift for all dogs. Since dogs often use anything upright as a marking post, the location of the water source is important. It may be in everyone’s best interest to place water fountains in areas where owners still have control over their pets via a leash.

Although the equipment in public spaces does not have to be of professional quality, newer dog parks also have play services, such as agility teams. This adds a little more fun and gives people the chance to do more than just sit on a park bench. When selecting your agility equipment:

• Find equipment covered by a comprehensive warranty
• Choose several pieces that will challenge and accommodate dogs of different sizes and skill levels.
• Use rust/rot proof materials
• Select equipment with non-slip surfaces
• Avoid equipment that is over 3 feet tall to prevent injuries to dogs and children.

Here are some things to consider that can help you choose the right place for your future park:

1. Size it up: The size of your park may depend solely on the availability of land. At least 1 acre is recommended, but can be as large as your community can manage and maintain. If space is not an issue, consider an area large enough that high-traffic areas can be rotated annually or even seasonally.
2. Pack It Up: Consider how your community will use the park. Remember that people need to enjoy the park too! It is important to plan seating and shade so that everyone is comfortable when visiting your park. Don’t stop there! Want to include space for agility equipment, a sandbox, a pond or fountain, a climbing wall, walking trails, or anything else you can think of that your community and your dogs would love? A community meeting can help determine what is feasible and preferred by future park users.
3. Water, water everywhere: Consider a human and dog water fountain, as well as a dog rinse station. On especially muddy days, being able to rinse your dog off from cars to enjoy the full dog park experience can make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Plan cleanup: To help keep your dog park nice and as clean as possible, space waste stations and trash receptacles a decent distance apart (about 4 per acre, depending on layout). Make sure the park is easily accessible to landscaping crews so it’s easy to keep your park lush and tidy.
5. Show your spirit: Remember that the design of your dog park extends to the spirit of the park. A key way to do this is to set the stage for responsible pet ownership and dog park behavior by developing and posting park rules. Some sample rules may include:

• Dogs must be properly vaccinated and it is recommended that they be spayed or neutered.
• Puppies under 4 months and bitches in heat are prohibited.
• Do not bring dog food to the dog park.
• Owners must clean up after their dogs.
• Dogs with a known history of aggressive behavior are prohibited.
• Dogs must wear a collar with identification at all times.
• Dogs must be on a leash when entering and leaving the park.
• Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited.
• Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
• Maximum of 3 dogs per person, per visit.
• Watch for dogs on the other side of the front door as you enter or exit to prevent escapes.

Whether your dog park is a basic plot of land or completely packed with high-end amenities, it should be a place that pet owners in your community appreciate. The knowledge and products now available give parks and recreation departments the ability to create a dog park that fits their specific location, needs, and budget.