Dog Parks are on the Rise: Design Tips and Statistics for Municipalities to Consider

With over 800 dog parks in the United States, dog parks are on the rise! Now, more than ever, park and recreation departments have a variety of equipment, pet waste solutions and other products at their fingertips. According to the Greenprint Index, dog parks are the fastest-growing segment of park development. From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40% increase in the development of public dog parks. More than 50% of park and recreation agencies have at least one dog park. To help with your plan of adding a dog park as well, this guide will address the benefits of dog parks and tips for dog park design.

• The Basics of Dog Park Design

Though not always possible, successful dog parks are often launched in spaces that are not currently being used. To determine the right location, look for areas that:

• Currently see high dog usage.Are outside the parameters of main parks.Will not affect wildlife or water quality.Are evenly distributed throughout the city.Are close to parking.Are away from existing playgrounds, residential areas, and heavy traffic.Are dry and irrigated.Are at least 5,000 square feet (about the area of a basketball court).

Identify the specific parcel of land on which you want to design a dog park and then begin to quantify the costs associated with that specific parcel. Just a few questions to ask yourself:

1. Can I get proper zoning?What offsite improvements will be required?How will the sewage be handled?What is the source of water?Are there any unusual environmental requirements?Is there a drainage problem?Is the land level or is the grade too steep for a dog park design?

For this phase of planning, seek professional advise for accurate cost estimates and legal compliances.

• Fencing and Safety

While grass is currently the most common surfacing option for larger dog park designs, bark chips (pun intended), sand, gravel, granite, or synthetic turf can also be used. Budget, climate, park size, usage and the surrounding park amenities should be considered when determine what surfacing should be used.

An effective dog park design is splitting a dog park in half, eliminating which side is open, can help preserve the surfacing material of larger dog parks while letting a smaller dog park go to dirt maybe a better option.

Depending on the dog-breed demographics and the needs of the pet owners in your area, fancing is typically standard in smaller off-leash areas while larger ones are often left without a fence. To create a smoother dog park operation, park and recreation departments are becoming a little more strategic in their fence placement while many parks are simply using a typical setup. This setup includes two sets of gates at the entry areas to allow pet owners to close the outside gate and unleash their dogs before opening the inner gate and haeading into the main area. Others, however, use a separate entry and exit area.

If your potential dog park design contains a pond or other water feature, it is an innovative idea to place an additional fence around the body or water to prevent dogs from taking an unnecessary bath.

• Park Features and Amenities

Today's dog parks can range from basic parcels of land to elaborate pet playgrounds with ponds, spray features, agility equipment and other park amenities. The basics are now becoming standard especially when it comes to staying cool and refreshed. Though a little less important in more moderate climates, whether it is a shade structures or trees, providing shade from the heat is especially important for both pets and their owners.

Ranging From a simple pet water fountain to a more elaborate spraying fire hydrant, water is a welcome amenitiy for all dogs. Since dogs often use anything upright as a marking post, water fountain placement is important. It may be in everyone's best interest to place the water features in areas where owners still have control over their pets via a leash.

Though the equipment in public spaces should not be of a professional grade, more recent dog parks also feature play amenities such as agility equipment. This adds a little extra fun and gives people the opportunity to do more than simply sit on a park bench. When selecting your agility equipment:

1. Look for equipment covered by a comprehensive warranty.Choose various pieces that will challenge and accommodate dogs of varying sizes and ability levels.Use rust/rot proof materials.Select equipment with slip-resistant surfaces.Avoid equipment that is more than 3 feet high to prevent dog and child injuries.

• The Benefits of Dog Parks

There are numerous advantages of having dog parks in communities.

1. Dog parks improve socialization: Dog parks are great for meeting new people. Since most of the people who frequent dog parks are dog owners themselves, they give you the chance to connect with fellow dog owners.Dog parks allow you to develop a better understanding of your dog: Dog parks provide an environment where dogs can interact with other dogs and people in a controlled setting. By observing your dog's behavior in this environment, you can learn about their social skills, play style, energy level, and how they respond to various stimuli.Dog parks can boost your dog's physical health: Dog parks offer ample space for dogs to run, play, and exercise freely. This physical activity helps to improve cardiovascular health, muscle tome, and overall fitness.Dog parks build a tight-knit community: Dog parks serve as gathering places for dog owners, providing opportunities for social interaction and networking. Regular visitors often form friendships with other dog owners, bonding over their shared love for dogs.Dog parks promote active lifestyles: Dog parks encourage physical activity for both dogs and their owners. This physical activity contributes to maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing stress levels for both dogs and humans.Dog parks can lower your health risks: Dog parks can help lower health risks in several ways, regular exercise, socialization, and spending time outdoors. ccoding to the American Health Association, dog owners are more likely to engage in physical activity and have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels compared to non-dog owners.

A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that dog owners who visit dog parks are more likely to achieve recommended levels of physical activity than those who do not. Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health demonstrated that regular visits to dog parks are associated with lower rates of obesity and higher levels of social interaction amongst both dogs and their owners.

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

Are you ready to transform your dog park design into reality? Reach out to our team of experts today for personalized advise to start building the dog park of your dreams!