PARKS AND RECREATION bathroom breaks by animals, which means the cleanup would be messy,” said Chris Franks of SCG Fields.
In general, the synthetic systems designed for use in dog parks are non-infill, high density and short pile; and they are generally resistant to bacteria and odors. According to Franks, dog parks with a synthetic surface should have a drainage base and a below-ground way to remove water from the surface( 3 to 4 inches of stone over filter fabric over a compacted subgrade). This not only keeps the surface dry from rain but, more importantly, allows for clean up by washing and / or scrubbing with a non-abrasive cleaner. Most dog parks also include water features and / or water fountains, so drainage could be an overlooked but very important part of the construction process, Franks added.
Part of the regular maintenance of synthetic turf surfaces is hose-cleaning them to rinse away urine and other excrement. This will be particularly important in areas where there is little or no natural rainfall. Note that synthetic turf will require daily maintenance, or even twice daily in places where there are lots of dogs, as dogs do carry illnesses.
Other options used in dog park surfacing include the following:
Skinned surfaces: The advantage is that there is no mowing involved; the disadvantage is that the park will be muddy and slippery after a rain.
Skinned surfaces covered with mulch, crusher run or other materials: These are fairly inexpensive options that can be changed out or replenished each year( or more often, depending upon the need).
Regular maintenance is key to keeping any surface in shape, and that includes the level of care being exercised by pet owners. If users regularly clean up after their dogs, it goes a long way toward making the surroundings pleasant.
The height of fencing around dog parks is a subject of debate; however, higher fencing( at least five feet at the top rail and often even higher) is generally preferred. Footings should
Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash
Photo by Rui Alves on Unsplash
be buried at least one foot down, and fence panels should be buried to a depth of six inches at all locations, except at access points, in order to deter dogs from trying to dig their way out.
And just as with sports facilities, it is amenities that will make a dog park stand out:
Access points should be double gated to keep dogs from escaping while being brought in and out of the enclosure.
Dividing the park into two sections( with a fence running between) can allow for one area to be used by large and giant breeds, and the other by small to medium size dogs. This is actually recognized as one of the most important safety measures.
Waste disposal bags and an adequate number of trash cans should be provided. Many bag dispensers and waste containers are on the same post assembly; these are then permanently installed at various points throughout the park, making for easy use and disposal. sportsfieldmanagementonline. com June 2025 | SportsField Management
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