So as a community leader, you’ve recognized the dire need for open green spaces for pooches to run about and play. That’s an incredible realization and one that homeowners with pets will be glad about.
Dog ownership across the US is on the rise. Statistics show that around 66% of American households own a pet, out of which dogs are the most popular. Speaking specifically of dog ownership, the percentage has risen from 39% in 2010 to 44% in 2024.
With such a steep rise, numerous communities are marketing themselves to pet parents with dog-specific amenities. A major of these is a well-planned and maintained community park for pooches. If you also wish to set one up, this article will help.
Here, we will discuss six important considerations that will help you plan and build a dog park carefully.
Appropriate Location
The first consideration we have mentioned is the dog park’s location. Before we dive in, let’s clear the air about legal formalities. This article is primarily about the design considerations but you must start with the necessary legalities.
Depending on your local laws, you may or may not require the city’s permission to even start a community park for dogs. If there is such a need, do not try to rewrite your community’s ordinance. Simply get a special permit or exemption from the relevant city officials. This will fast-track the process of establishing a dog park.
As for the location, choose an area that is off to the side and also at the back of the community. This is important because residents do not want to deal with constant barking, bad odor, or unleashed canines. Also, the dog park should not be adjacent to the children’s park so that there are no conflicts with the kids.
Keep in mind that dog parks quickly become overcrowded because they’re often well-loved spots. If possible, choose real estate that can be expanded in the future to avoid overcrowding issues. Even if an area is not perfectly flat, it can be used to build a dog park. So, look for any unused open spaces that can be repurposed.
Proper Signage
The National Recreation and Park Association states that dog park signage is crucial from the viewpoint of navigation, sanitation, and basic etiquette. Park visitors must be completely made aware of the rules as well as the consequences for violating them.
Let’s look at some of the common rules and regulations enforced by community dog parks –
- The park is to be used by residents and their dogs only.
- Owners will be held legally liable for their dogs and any injuries caused by them.
- All canines entering the park must have their collars and ID tags on at all times.
- Owners are required to clean up after their pooches.
- If a dog shows aggression towards another animal or owner, it will be promptly removed from the park.
- Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior will not be permitted inside.
- Puppies must be at least four months old to enter the park.
- Owners must not leave their dogs unattended at any time.
- Dogs in heat will not be permitted to use the park.
- No food or drinks, sharp objects, or glass items will be allowed inside.
- Owners need to carry their dog’s leash. The canine must be leashed at the time of entering and before leaving the park.
- Violators will be removed from the park and will also lose their park privileges.
Sanitation
Another extremely important consideration for a community dog park is its sanitation. Besides the rule that visitors must clean after their dogs, your park must be fully prepared with hygiene measures.
For instance, you can seek professional assistance for this. Commercial dog waste removal services are your best bet for maintaining proper sanitation and waste stations.
It is not enough for dog owners to clean their pet’s waste. Dog poop left in the open is hazardous. According to Scoop Soldiers, it may contain deadly nasties like the infamous E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. The residue itself may threaten the health of other pets and their owners.
Do not take such a massive risk and let the experts handle the sanitation and deodorization. As for the waste station, at least have one installed at the entrance and exit along with one somewhere inside the park. Choose a shaded location for these receptacles to help reduce odors.
Alternative Surface
What is the most easily identifiable surface for community parks? It is likely to be grass. Contrary to this logic, dog parks should not have grass as their surface. This is due to a few compelling reasons.
The constant thumping and running around will tear the grass, leaving the dirt underneath exposed. During rains, this dirt will transform into a muddy mess. Additionally, dog urine is toxic to the grass.
It contains high levels of nitrogen that will kill grasses sooner than later. Spare yourself the headache of installing grass and choose an alternative surface. If you want to incorporate an eco-friendly surface that is highly durable and requires minimal upkeep, decomposed granite is the way to go.
Another good alternative would be specifically designed artificial turfs. Select any of these options and you will keep your dog park’s surface attractive and manageable in the long run.
Fences and Fountains
Any dog park requires at least the following basic structures – fencing around its perimeter and an entrance. Keep in mind that the former should be at least 5 feet high, or higher, to prevent dogs from jumping over it.
As for the entrance, the same should behave as the park’s buffer. If possible, the ideal would be a double gate system. This will provide everyone with enough breathing room as there will be a separate entrance and exit.
Moreover, fountains and drinking stations throughout the park are vital. Dogs and their owners will require some respite after a good session of stretching, exercising, and playing. Ensure the pet fountains are made of stainless steel to prevent easy rusting.
Ideally, there should be add-ons like freeze-resistant valves, hose bibbs, and plaques to honor the donors. You can also introduce spray hydrants to help keep four-legged visitors cool. These will prove to be much more cost-efficient than spray pads.
Agility Equipment
Would children enjoy a park without any designated play areas, slides, swings, etc.? The same rule applies to our pooches. They are unlikely to enjoy their time in the park without any specific play equipment.
The good news is there is a variety of play equipment for different fun games and activities. You can choose from among tunnels, jumps, ramps, and more. Such equipment will make the park an exciting destination that furry companions look forward to visiting.
All the games can be allotted a designated area or integrated into the main park section itself. In the case of larger parks, the equipment can be spaced 10” to 15” apart. As for more modest parks, leave at least a 7” space between each component.
Ensure that all the equipment is made using rust-proof materials like stainless steel or heavy-gauge aluminum. Moreover, all components need to be firmly grounded using surface mounting plates and concrete footers. Run regular checks for any unauthorized equipment as injuries resulting from them could lead to costly lawsuits.
We hope this article has helped you understand the different factors that go into building a successful dog park. The number of these parks is steadily on the rise. In the US, the city with the highest number of off-leash dog parks is Boise, Idaho.
Check the statistics for your area. If there is still a gap to be filled, now is the best time to materialize your plan. With some careful forethought, your community dog park should be up and running in no time!
