Starting A Dog Park
There are many benefits to having a dog park in your town. Dog owners can move the park development process along by helping others in the community understand the need. Each community has its own rules for public facility use, so the first place to start is by doing some homework - is anyone else in your town developing a dog park? Can your local parks and recreation department offer any help? Since many dog parks are located in city parks, this is an excellent place to begin. Well-informed people with well-behaved dogs can make a positive and powerful impact on their neighborhoods.
The Marin Humane Society has been involved in the development of a number of local dog parks and states that:
“There is no doubt that dog owners deserve to share in the “park pie” with other special use groups like baseball, soccer and tennis clubs. The recognized use of city and county maintained dog parks is growing at an amazing rate around the country, and these parks can provide an excellent venue for providing information on low cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, the microchip ID, dog training, and other information related to keeping canines happy and healthy. Dogs contribute immeasurably to their family’s quality of life, thus helping to foster a sense of community for everyone. Making dog parks a priority creates positive community spirit.”
Tips on Starting A Dog Park
Community Benefits
Socializes and exercises dogs in a safe environment.
Promotes responsible pet ownership.
Provides elderly and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions.
Enables dogs to legally run off-leash.
Promotes public health and safety.
Provides a tool for realistic enforcement of dog control laws.
The Ideal Dog Park is Designed to Include
Concern for the environment.
One acre or more surrounded by a 4’ to 6’ fence.
Entry - double gated.
Shade and water.
Adequate drainage.
Parking close to site.
Grass area; routine mowing.
Covered garbage cans with regular trash removal.
Pooper scooper stations.
Benches.
Wheel chair access.
Safe location, not isolated.
Regular maintenance.
Things to Consider Before Developing a Dog park
Appropriate site selection.
Noise.
Maintenance and health concerns.
City support.
Traffic.
Supervision of park.
Insurance requirements.
Local regulations.
The Role of A Dog park Group
Raise funds for amenities.
Monitor use.
Clean-up.
Serve as communications liaison with city, neighborhood and dog owners.
(List reprinted with permission of the Marin Humane Society.)β¨β¨β¨
