PARKS AND RECREATION
Photo by Sherissa R on pexels. com
Photo by Lee Narozanick
viewing,” said Narozanick.“ Park nearby, sit in the park, make notes, take pictures and visit for a while. Talk to people who are bringing their dogs to the park. What do they like? What would they change?”
Spend some time watching the park itself and the dogs in it. Are there any toys, amenities or structures in particular the dogs seem to enjoy? Are there any they tend to ignore?
Watch the dog owners as well. Do they interact with their dogs or do they come in, turn their dogs loose and then begin talking with friends or looking at their phones, without paying attention? Do owners who have both a large and a small dog turn them loose on the same side of the park, even though it is not made for dogs of that size?
Take a look at the surface. How is it holding up? Can the management give you some insights into what maintenance is like? Does the fence seem to be an appropriate height for the dogs in the park? Are the rules prominently posted?
If a dog park is being planned in your area, there is probably a user group that is giving input. What parks have they visited and what have they noticed? While it is common for user groups to want every amenity they can think of, work to create a realistic scenario.
Work with a designer and / or a builder who has experience with dog parks; the demand for dog parks has created an industry in itself. Those professionals will draw from your knowledge in fields and help you apply it to the park being built to create an amenity that enriches your area for years to come.
Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association( ASBA). For more information, visit www. sportsbuilders. org sportsfieldmanagementonline. com June 2025 | SportsField Management
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