PARKS AND RECREATION
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Adequate parking for all users will be essential to the success of the dog park; if not enough parking spaces are available, users may wind up parking illegally( leading to ticketing and complaints) and / or parking in nearby neighborhoods— much to residents’ annoyance. Keep in mind that there will be times of enormous demand, such as after work hours on weekday evenings, and on weekends during the day.
Dog-park-specific water fountains are another userfriendly fixture; such fountains have an upper bowl or faucet where people can drink( or fill water bottles) and a lower bowl for dogs to use. Most times, the dog bowl is plumbed to drain slowly enough to allow dogs to drink, but quickly enough to remain clean despite multiple uses throughout the day.
Shaded areas with benches where owners can sit and watch their dogs are amenities that will be appreciated.
Hooks on fences will be handy for hanging up leashes, harnesses and the like.
Boxes of toys for visitors are often provided at dog parks; these may include rope tug toys and tennis balls, along with the plastic tennis ball fetch toys that allow users to pick balls off the ground and hurl them with less effort.
A coach’ s whistle, which can be used to break up fights between dogs; these should be affixed to fences with a chain in various places throughout the park.
Play structures for dogs are popular with users. These may be permanently installed or they may be placed there temporarily while the park is hosting an event. Options include ramps, bridges, logs, obstacle courses, tunnels, steps and other structures.
The number and type of amenities will be determined by the space available, the budget, the level of security and other considerations.
Dog parks should have lists of rules posted at the entrances and prominently featured throughout the park. These may include information such as:
Hours of the park, including any time( s) it is closed for regular maintenance. Minimum age for users with dogs. Any maximum number of dogs per person at a time. Any requirements regarding vaccines that dogs must have( rabies, etc.) in order to use the park.
Any safety requirements( some parks specify that dogs must wear collars or harnesses, which make it easier for an owner to grab his or her dog, if necessary).
If there are different areas for large and small dogs, the rules should note this; it may help to have a definition of the size of the dog( weight is generally considered a good measurement).
If unaltered( unspayed or unneutered) dogs are not allowed in the park. Owners are responsible for their own animals. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their own dogs.
The first dog park can be a daunting project, but fortunately there are plenty of examples in neighborhoods, community associations and apartment and condo complexes nationwide, and you probably won’ t have to drive too far to locate a few in your area.
“ The best way of evaluating what works( and what doesn’ t) at dog parks is to do more than just a drive-by
28 SportsField Management | June 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline. com