| | A double-gate is an important security feature. | | | Water fountains are great amenities. |
|
In our survey of AT News subscribers, a significant number of readers requested we cover dog park design and management. While this is not your every-day athletic turf issue, it is a growing phenomenon with more than 700 dog parks nationwide.So far, the most authoritative resource identified are two articles published by the National Recreation and Park Association's P&$ Magazine: "Cause for Paws: A look at pooch-friendly parks," September 15, 2004; and "Playgrounds for Pups," July 2004. In one case study, a Tucson, AZ park administrator solved the muddy mess problem by installing irrigation systems and on-site water-runoff collection centers, combined with constant maintenance. Tucson's first dog park cost only $14,000 to install — it was just a fence and some dirt. But in short order, clouds of dust became a problem and the irrigation system was installed and an association of dog park users raised funds for grass seed and maintenance.
Tucson now has three dog parks. The city estimates the construction cost at around $85,000, and maintenance costs about the same as for a soccer field. The city saw a decrease in off-leash dogs complaints in neighborhoods and on athletic fields. The Marin Humane Society lists these dog park essentials of dog park design: - Concern for the environment
- 1 acre or more surrounded by a 4' to 6' secure fence
- Entry - double gated
- Shade & water
- Adequate drainage
- Parking close to site
- Grass area - routine mowing
- Covered garbage cans with regular trash removal
- Waste scooper stations
- Benches
- Wheelchair access
- Safe location - not isolated
- Regular maintenance
Other resources: The American Kennel Club's Dog Park page City of Poway, CA dog park design plan Dog Park Design recommendations from a dog owner in San Mateo, CA who has been observing the dog park scene there for more than 10 years. This page includes a working design for a double gate system that prevents dogs from escaping. Recommendations for building great dog parks from the South Bay Dog Park Association in San Francisco Photo albums of several dog parks from the South Bay Dog Park Association If you have some good dog park design and maintenance resources, e-mail lbrakeman@advanstar.com and we'll share them in an upcoming issue. | 
