By petschoicesupply.com Featured Dog Park Expert,

Mimi Marler

Marketing Manager at PlayCore, owners of BarkPark Dog Park Equipment

This article is a part of a larger petschoicesupply.com series on Dog Parks. See the list of articles below:

• Dog Parks: Great for Everyone, Not Just the Dogs
• How to Design a High-Quality Dog Park
• One Size Does NOT Fit All – Separate Spaces for Large and Small Dogs
• How to Maintain Your Dog Park
• Dog Park Safety Measures in the Age of COVID-19
• What Type of Surfacing Should I Use in a Dog Park?
• Buy Dog Park Equipment

The world looks a LOT different after the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. We have all felt the impact of this terrible virus and our lives will be forever changed. As good citizens we are all doing our part to make sure we are not spreading the virus; we are wearing masks, washing our hands, and isolating ourselves.

As the world has started to adjust to our “new normal,” one thing hasn’t changed: we still desire to interact and socialize with our friends and neighbors.

Science believes that transmission of the virus outside in fresh air is rare, and so the great outdoors has now become quite the popular meeting space; it allows communities to safely come back together. For this reason, and because pet adoptions soared as a result of the pandemic, dog parks are now more popular than ever.

However, it is very important that additional safety measures are implemented in dog parks to account for the virus.

Of course, the first place you need to look to is local ordinances and making sure you are adhering to community guidelines. Other things to consider are signage, re-evaluating flow and spacing, hand sanitizer stations, and encouraging users to change the timing of their visits.

Appropriate Signage

Specific and direct signage is a great way to show that you are advocating for good health in your community. These friendly reminders are imperative for the safety of your park goer. Dog parks are known to be self-policing and displaying signage empowers users to hold each other accountable. This is actually similar to how “clean up after your pet” signs help drive compliance with picking up waste!

Spacing Out Equipment and Distancing

This is a great time to re-evaluate your dog park layout. If there are agility obstacles clustered together, it may be a good idea to spread these out more. With ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, even if these products are set in concrete, there is no better time than now to go ahead and make this update.

As far as distancing goes, the signage reminders will help, but another way to naturally distance users is by adjusting the seating arrangements. It is a good idea to spread benches and seating out wherever possible. If seating is limited, now is also a great time to add a few benches into your park to further allow people to physically distance.

Sanitizer Stations

A new trend we are seeing is outdoor hand sanitizer stations. There are numerous commercial grade models out there, built to last outdoors. My personal favorite is one developed by BarkPark that is a waste station/hand sanitizer combo. This serves a dual purpose and has sold really well for years.

It is very important to carefully place the hand sanitizer station. The most common placement is near frequent touch points, but in a dog park this can be problematic.

As most of you know, the most frequented touch point in a dog park is the gate system. It is recommended that these stations therefore be placed outside of the dog park and away from the gate so that they do not cause a disruption in the flow of the park. If not placed appropriately it can cause clustering; with our furry friends by our sides this can also lead to aggressive behavior toward other dogs, which should always be avoided.

Another note is to make sure to include signage stating that it is not for dog use, as it can cause dryness and cracking of paws and is not recommended.

Encourage Users to Pace Their Visits

In general, the peak hours for a dog park are before or after work hours. Yet in today’s world a lot of people are working from home and have more flexible schedules. This is where the power of suggestion comes in handy! Encourage your users to come at off-peak hours. A great way to do this is through social media, e-mail blasts or signage.

A big deterrent for coming mid-day is the heat, especially in the summer. If you already have shade structures or shade trees, remind your users of this fact. If not, now would be a great time to invest in a shade structure or even just a small pop-up structure. Another way to make users more comfortable in the heat of the day is to make sure there is access to fresh water for both humans and pups.

Re-opening dog parks is very exciting, and with just a few minor tweaks you can make sure this is a happy and healthy experience for all.

About Mimi Marler:

By petschoicesupply.com Featured Expert,

MADELINE DOCK

SALES COORDINATOR AT PLAYCORE, OWNERS OF BARKPARK DOG PARK EQUIPMENT

This article is a part of a larger petschoicesupply.com series on Dog Parks. See the list of articles below:

• Dog Parks: Great for Everyone, Not Just the Dogs
• How to Design a High-Quality Dog Park
• One Size Does NOT Fit All – Separate Spaces for Large and Small Dogs
• How to Maintain Your Dog Park
• Dog Park Safety Measures in the Age of COVID-19
• What Type of Surfacing Should I Use in a Dog Park?
• Buy Dog Park Equipment

Today, dog parks can be found across the globe. More and more, we’re seeing them everywhere from traditional parks and recreational areas to multi-family housing to hotels, resorts, airports, and even rooftops. As you start your journey in creating an off-leash dog park, location and design are undoubtedly essential decisions to make. But, what aspects of a dog park make it a sustainable, popular attraction for years to come?

BarkPark’s years of experience in dog parks show that the key to keeping your dog park flourishing is… maintenance! 

Dog Park Sustainability Planning

Off-leash dog parks are a meaningful investment for the community and need to be treated as such by optimizing the park’s life for as long as possible. The achievement of having a successful dog park will require planning and the commitment from both staff and the community towards maintenance.

For staff, keeping up with the day-to-day park maintenance, organizing cleanup crews and regularly scheduled maintenance inspections are all key to dog park longevity. Community cooperation will also be critical for the dog park’s continued excellence; educating dog owners on the need to be responsible and adhering to the rules will help create overall cleanliness and enjoyment.

As with any public space, budgeting is also important. You’ll want to plan a budget for the financial costs of maintenance. Planning the expense of long-term and short-term maintenance costs will help reduce many of the perceived problems associated with an off-leash dog park. Short-term weekly costs that need to be factored in include waste removal, lawn care, adequate sanitation of highly trafficked touchpoints, re-supplying disposable bags and filling holes that dogs may have dug up. Make sure to also think ahead and consider long-term maintenance costs such as replacing broken or weathered dog park equipment and repairing fencing and surfacing.

By establishing a budget, you now will have a baseline to set up a maintenance program to keep your dog park a safe, functional and clean environment for all. 

Dog Park Inspection and Maintenance

The wear and tear of dogs and their playful habits are inevitable, so regularly scheduling maintenance inspections is vital to the longevity of your equipment and outdoor surfacing.

As with any dog park, the equipment is subject to the harsh outdoor elements; therefore, it must be inspected regularly. Two types of inspections should be occurring at all dog parks – low- and high-frequency inspections. The inspection frequency will be determined by keeping in mind the equipment age, the climate in which its located, usage frequency and materials. 

Low-frequency inspections – should occur periodically or at least twice a year. This is a detailed inspection of the equipment in the dog park. You’ll want to check for damaged parts, secure loose bolts, check for sharp edges, cracked material, and splintered wood in these planned in-depth inspections. If damage is found, the equipment should be replaced, or if the damage is repairable, it should be immediately fixed.

High-frequency inspections – should happen on a daily or weekly basis. Problems to look for are trash, pet waste, debris, grass overgrowth, vandalism, and weather damage. If any hazards are found, the staff should correct the problem immediately.  

Frequent inspections might seem cumbersome, but with the proper routine and a timely maintenance response, you’ll be able to help protect pets and pet owners from costly accidents and demonstrate the standard of care the community is willing to give to its users.

Maintenance Considerations:

• Tending to surfacing – filling holes and/or re-seeding grass
• Mowing grass
• Hand weeding / tending to landscaping (do not use toxic weed spray)
• Removing dog waste
• Spraying /hosing down equipment furnishings, trash receptacles
• Emptying trash receptacles
• Inspecting fencing for damage
• Tending to bacterial growth on fencing
• Inspecting gates and locking mechanisms
• Inspecting equipment and amenities – properly placed trash receptacles can help prevent litter at the site

When equipment is unusable, visitors miss the opportunity to get the full experience intended – and most importantly, may not want to visit again! Carefully maintained outdoor environments are a source of pride and are a direct reflection of community standards. Therefore, the standards you set in terms of cleanliness and the usability of all equipment is what will determine your dog park’s success and enjoyment for years to come.

About Madeline Dock:
Madeline is the Sales Coordinator for the National Accounts team at PlayCore. She works daily with customers all over the country to sell products across the entire PlayCore spectrum, including playgrounds, site amenities, dog parks, fitness parks, surfacing, aquatic products, shade & shelters, etc. Her favorite part of her job is providing solutions to help others connect and stay healthy, by assisting communities in building up their outdoor spaces. It’s her way to leave a positive impact on communities across America.

SOURCE: PlayCore, Unleashed: Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends and Planning Tips, 2018

By Pet Pro Supply Co. Featured Expert,

STEPHANIE DEVINE

VP OF MARKETING AND BRAND STRATEGY AT PLAYCORE, OWNERS OF BARKPARK DOG PARK EQUIPMENT

This article is a part of a larger Pet Pro Supply Co. series on Dog Parks. See the list of articles below:

• Dog Parks: Great for Everyone, Not Just the Dogs
• How to Design a High-Quality Dog Park
• One Size Does NOT Fit All – Separate Spaces for Large and Small Dogs
• How to Maintain Your Dog Park
• Dog Park Safety Measures in the Age of COVID-19
• What Type of Surfacing Should I Use in a Dog Park?
• Buy Dog Park Equipment

Off-leash dog parks are everywhere – and we mean EVERYWHERE. Rooftops, alleyways, old tennis courts, unused open fields and not surprisingly, even airports. No matter the space, one area you do not want to skimp on is designating two clearly labeled areas in your off-leash dog park: one area for small dogs and a separate area for large dogs.

This promotes safety and health for different size breeds at your park, and ensures your off-leash dog park will be enjoyable for its users and owners alike. 

Large and Small Dogs are Different

Dog ownership is booming, and we do not see this trend slowing down anytime soon.

The wonderful thing about dogs is, the perfect one for you does exist.  Are you a runner who wants a dog to run by your side? German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are just two of the numerous breeds that would fit the bill.  Want a dog to join you on errands and around town? You may want something smaller like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian. Remember to always check your local shelters as there are tons of dogs of all shapes and sizes waiting to find their forever homes! #adoptdontshop

Regardless of the type of dog that will best fit an owner’s lifestyle, at some time or another owners will want to take their dog to an off-leash dog park.

A crucial best practice for off-leash dog parks therefore is having two separate enclosed areas so that large and small dogs can run and play independently with other breeds of a similar size and ability level. A good rule of thumb is: a dog is considered “small” if they are under 35 pounds.

Providing separation helps to prevent unnecessary friction should a larger dog try to play a little too rough with a dog a fraction its size. Limiting this risk for pets (and owners!) and easing the minds of park-goers is important.

It is also important to note that not all dogs fall into the “small” or “large” category. Large puppies, senior dogs or ones with disabilities may feel more secure in the smaller dog area. Owners should be encouraged to make the decision based on not only their dog’s weight, but by their socialization level and ability.

Design Solutions and Amenities for Small and Large Dog Areas

When designing an off-leash dog park, it can be tricky to determine not only the layout, but what amenities are most appropriate in the small area versus the large area.

By design, the small dog area should be smaller and include less amenities than the large dog area. If space allows, each area should have its own, unique, double-gated entrance. Knowing that this is not always possible, it is totally acceptable to have one double-gated entrance with individual gates to each section.  

While there are many parks that do not include agility equipment, a great off-leash dog park is packed full of amenities for both dogs and dog owners to enjoy, while still providing ample space to run and play. While most agility products on the market today are suited for any size and breed, there are agility products designed specifically with little (or big) paws in mind.  

Large Dog Area

• Hurdles
• Teeter Totters
• High Hoop Jumps
• 5 or more Stepping Platforms

Small Dog Area

• Low Hoop Jumps
• Less than 5 Stepping Platforms

Appropriate for Either Area

• Tunnels
• Pause Platforms
• A-Frame Climbers
• Weave Posts

 Check out BarkPark’s Small & Large Dog Park Combination Course Package.

Other non-agility amenities which are appropriate for any area include shade, water fountains, benches for owners and waste stations.  

Providing unique, secure areas within an off-leash dog park for both large and small dogs will reduce the fear owners have for the safety of their dog, encourage more owners to visit, and extend the time that they play.

About Stephanie Devine: Stephanie is the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy for several brands at PlayCore and works with the BarkPark brand by UltraSite.  She has worked in multiple roles within PlayCore over the past 15 years including marketing, product development and sales.  Her favorite part of her job is meeting new people across the globe and promoting her love for bringing communities together.

SOURCE: PlayCore, Unleashed: Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends and Planning Tips, 2018

Check out Playcore’s guide for a huge range of dog park equipment ideas and suggestions to utilize when you go to design your dog park.

By Pet Pro Supply Co. Featured Dog Park Expert,

Mimi Marler

Marketing Manager at PlayCore, owners of BarkPark Dog Park Equipment

This article is a part of a larger Pet Pro Supply Co. series on Dog Parks. See the list of articles below:

• Dog Parks: Great for Everyone, Not Just the Dogs
• How to Design a High-Quality Dog Park
• One Size Does NOT Fit All – Separate Spaces for Large and Small Dogs
• How to Maintain Your Dog Park
• Dog Park Safety Measures in the Age of COVID-19
• What Type of Surfacing Should I Use in a Dog Park?
• Buy Dog Park Equipment

Sloppy kisses, wagging tails, floppy ears, and don’t even get me started on those puppy dog eyes… Dogs have proudly worn their title as “Man’s Best Friend” for centuries, and this bond is now stronger than ever. Did you know that nearly 90% of pet owners consider their pet a member of the family? (YouGov; How America’s pet owners feel about their furry friends) These individuals live all around you, and YES they would love to show you pictures of their furry favorites doing all things adorable.

With this mindset it is easy to understand why so many communities advocate for dogs to have their own safe space to socialize, exercise, and bond with their owners. What are these doggie havens you ask? You guessed it, dog parks! With pet ownership on the rise, we are going to continue to see more and more dog parks popping up across the country – and for good reason.

In this article we are going to discuss the various health benefits dog parks provide for both dogs and their owners, the positive impact they have on communities, as well as the diverse settings that seem to be growing in popularity every day.

Dog parks are good for you!

As we know, dog parks are great for dogs! They provide a safe space where dogs can exercise, socialize, challenge themselves, and bond with their owners and other pups. But, did you know that dog parks are good for people too?

When we take our pups to the dog park, we tend to mimic their behavior. We are actively playing, socializing with our neighbors, and challenging ourselves, you may even find yourself going through a tunnel or climbing the A-frame! This activity and social interaction provides a combination of social, physical, mental, and emotional health benefits.

Now more than ever, people are isolated, which can very negatively impact well-being. This has brought pet ownership into the spotlight, and in-turn reduced pet populations in shelters across the country! These health benefits include increased walking time, reduced sitting time, reduced symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, and grief. When you have a dog you aren’t alone, you always have a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and someone to celebrate with!

As PlayCore’s Unleashed mentions: “Since dogs thrive on structure and consistency in daily life, they depend on their owner to be walked, exercised, and loved. For some, having a dog means the difference between a life lived and a life merely endured. Dogs can help a person to find purpose, stay safe and be independent: They can be ears, eyes, and mobility enhancements for people with disabilities as well as an early warning system for danger.” (2018, p.7-8)

Dog park communities are thriving!

Communities are facing various adversities and differences every day, which often results in disconnect and discontent. Dog parks are filled with a diverse group of people from all walks of life, who are instantly connected by one commonality, they all LOVE dogs. This instant connection is unique to dog parks, breaking down the barriers of the outside world, cultivating friendships, and bonding community members that may not have crossed paths otherwise.

“Dog parks are social capital catalysts. These green open spaces bring people “out and about” by promoting walkable neighborhoods and an enhanced sense of community. In addition, communities have seen a positive effect of the visible presence of individuals walking with their dogs and the motivation dogs provide for their owners to walk. This generates an increased feeling of collective safety. Further research explains that “animal presence can facilitate human social approach increase the likelihood of social contact, and serve as a conversation trigger between strangers or casual acquaintances.” (Unleashed: Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends and Planning Tips, 2018, p.9)

Aren’t dog parks… just for parks?

Dogs are travel companions, workout partners, brunch buddies, co-workers, and play a BIG role in where their 2-legged counterparts decide to call home. While traditionally most dog parks were found at your local park, times have changed, pet owners prioritize their pup’s happiness and in-turn are spending more time (and money) at dog friendly establishments. While some of these may seem unconventional, they certainly are growing in popularity, especially with the rise of outdoor meeting spaces.

Who is setting up dog parks, and where?

• Parks & Recreation: Most likely the original location of any dog parks in your community were found at your local park. Parks and Recreation departments have historically been the first to notice the need for these open spaces and as a response strategically placed these areas to promote cross usage of park amenities.

• Housing Complexes: Dog owners want their pups to feel just as happy at home as they do, and housing complexes across the country have taken note. With the rise in pet ownership it comes as no surprise that more and more complexes are now offering dog parks and dog related amenities to appeal to their furry residents.

• Resorts, Hotels & Motels: Vacations are just more fun with your best friend! Dog-friendly resorts and hotels are becoming more and more popular with some offering exclusive welcome gifts for dogs and various amenities that cater to pups and their owners including, dog parks, room service, and even massages.

• Airports: With the increase of doggie travel companions’ airlines have made changes to accommodate. Some airports now offer doggie relief areas or outdoor dog parks. These are not available at every airport so careful planning must be taken when traveling with your pup.

• Rest Areas: In addition to airports, another segment that is growing in popularity due to increased doggie travel are rest areas. If you have ever road tripped with a pup you know two things, potty breaks are a must and energy levels can be high from long hours of confined spaces. Thankfully finding spaces to take a potty break are easy, but actual fenced in areas that allow dogs to run off leash can be challenging. Thankfully rest areas seem to be noticing and more unleashed areas are slowly becoming available. Even some gas stations are jumping on the trend.

• Restaurants & Bars: It is common to see pups on outdoor patios, but something newer to the industry are restaurants and bars that are designed specifically with dogs in mind. These new hot spots are popping up in cities across the country and typically boast an outdoor area with plenty of space for dogs to run and agility obstacles. Their menus often feature specialty treats and snacks for both humans and pups.

• RV Parks and Campgrounds: Another industry embracing our furry travel buddies are RV Parks and Campgrounds. Many of these locations are now pet-friendly and offering amenities like dog parks to attract furry visitors.

• Rooftops: Rooftops are a great way to make use of un-used space, especially in urban settings where green space is limited. This can be the perfect space to incorporate a dog park for condos and apartment complexes. This expands their amenity offering, attracting new residents, while boasting a picturesque city backdrop.

• Corporate Settings: Another space we are seeing growth in dog parks are corporate campuses, especially those within the pet industry. With the increased acceptance of dogs in the workplace and national holidays such as “Bring Your Dog to Work Day”, it seems more companies will be jumping on this trend.

Dog parks are on the rise and it is exciting to see what the future holds for this growing industry. The good news is dog parks come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny relief areas to extravagant doggie theme parks. You are sure to find a solution to meet almost any budget! Be sure to take a look at BarkPark’s convenient “Park Kits” – all you need to set up a dog park, in just one package!

 About Mimi Marler: 

SOURCE:

PlayCore, Unleashed: Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends and Planning Tips, 2018

By Pet Pro Supply Co. Featured Expert,

Madeline Dock

Sales Coordinator at PlayCore, owners of BarkPark Dog Park Equipment

This article is a part of a larger Pet Pro Supply Co. series on Dog Parks. See the list of articles below:

• Dog Parks: Great for Everyone, Not Just the Dogs
• How to Design a High-Quality Dog Park
• One Size Does NOT Fit All – Separate Spaces for Large and Small Dogs
• How to Maintain Your Dog Park
• Dog Park Safety Measures in the Age of COVID-19
• What Type of Surfacing Should I Use in a Dog Park?
• Buy Dog Park Equipment

Pet ownership continues to be on the rise in the United States. In 2017 it was recorded that 60.2 million households owned at least one pet; with this data it shouldn’t be a surprise that communities across the country are introducing dog parks! Enjoyable for both owners and their pets, an unleashed dog park allows dogs to run and play off-leash and provides much needed exercise and socialization.

With the rise in demand for dog parks comes the question:
“How do I begin designing a dog park”?

It All Starts with Location

Now that you have decided to build a dog park, you have to find somewhere to actually put it. When looking at locations throughout your community, you will need to be mindful of not only access to the location, but also the natural landscape. You will want to plan ahead and know what mix of equipment and amenities you are going to include and how many dogs will visit the space in a given day.  

There are often unused areas of land throughout a community that may be a good option. Talk to the city.  Is there an area that is on a floodplain? Is there an area with rolling hills that they do not plan on developing? The area does not have to be flat and it does not have to be a perfect rectangle. We have seen dog parks built on a long strip of land and a wide-open field. 

A good place to start it to involve the community and dog owners who will be utilizing the space. What do they envision?  Many architects use dog parks as ways to revitalize a community by taking a previously underutilized or abandoned area and creating a wonderful space for socialization and play.

Factors to consider when choosing your location, as advised by The Humane Society of the United States:

• 1-5 acres – large enough for the park to not become overcrowded and small enough to keep the park well-controlled.
• Good drainage – you’ll want to prevent muddy conditions which could make the space undesirable
• Water fountain – Dogs need water while exercising and utilizing the park
• Shade – to prevent any overheating which might occur on some of the hotter summer days
• Access for people with mobility devices – inclusion is essential so all people can enjoy the park
• 5-6 foot fencing – important to make the fencing high enough to keep dogs from jumping over
• Benches for pet owners – so owners can stay around longer to relax and supervise their pets
• Signs to clearly display rules – typically placed at the entrance/exits, so no one misses it
• Parking lot close by – to make it as easy as possible for community members to enter the park
• Buffer zone – natural landscaping around the dog park creates a boundary between the park and neighbors to reduce noise

Agility Equipment, Site Amenities, Shade and Water

If you observe dogs in an outdoor setting, they’re jumping over natural objects, running, going underneath bushes or climbing. It’s important to imitate these various obstacles by including dog park equipment for the dogs and owners alike to maximize enjoyment. Besides offering the benefit of overall exercise, dog park equipment can help dogs build strength, gain confidence, and improve their agility. The challenges also task them mentally as they learn to navigate the equipment.

Dog Park Equipment to Consider

Jumps – Incorporating jumping helps dogs advance in their strength and coordination. A series of circles to jump through makes this piece suitable for dogs of all sizes as they can choose which hoop to use based on their size.

Platforms – Platforms are great for small or large dogs seeing as they can be placed at different heights. They encourages jumping, which promotes coordination and concentration as they prance from platform to platform.

Hurdles – Hurdles are best suited for larger to medium dogs and help enhance leg strength and coordination by avoiding touching the support while in the air.

Solid Vented Tunnels – Tunnels are great for dogs of all sizes and help them become more familiar in navigating tight spaces.

Bridges – Bridges are geared towards larger dogs to help them develop control, patience, and concentration.

Weave Posts – Dogs of all sizes can utilize this equipment to increase their coordination skills, speed, and agility.

Photo Booth Panel – While not a traditional agility product, photo booths are a fun add-on to any size dog park.  The photo booth panel serves not only as an adorable Instagram opportunity to capture your dog at their cutest moments but also helps them practice their ability to sit and stay control.

Amenities & Accessories:

Dog Park Rules ­- We do advise having signage close to the entrance, clearly stating the hours of operation and rules to abide by while utilizing the park. 

Seating – Providing benches throughout the park allow dog owners to take a break, relax, and socialize with other dog lovers.  A good rule of thumb is to keep benches away from fences so dogs cannot use them as launching platforms to escape the fence.  Consider placing around trees for natural shade.

Shade – Whether you go for natural shade with tree coverage or a fabric shade structure, both offer a break from the sun and encourage longer visits at the dog park.

Leash Posts – Leash posts help owners keep track of leashes worry-free.

Misters – Take your dog park up a notch by adding a fun water element to keep them cool and refreshed while playing in the park. Misters ensure overheating is avoided in the hot summer days.

Watering & Cooling – Dogs need access to water while exercising at any level. Dog-level water fountains meet this need to keep dogs refreshed and lets them exercise for longer. 

Gates – Adding a gate is a great way to decrease the possibility of dogs escaping. Remember to keep in mind accessibility by ensuring the gate is wide enough for those with mobility devices. A double gated entrance is a best practice to allow dog users to enter the park securely as others exit.

Waste Stations & Trash Receptacles – Waste stations are a must to give individuals the ability to clean up after their dog and to keep the dog park an enjoyable place for everyone. It’s recommended these be placed at various locations throughout the dog park. 

Lighting – Adding lighting not only adds an element of safety and visibility to the park but will also increase hours of use, especially in the fall and winter, when it becomes darker earlier in the day. 

Parting thoughts

It’s highly recommended that when you go to buy the equipment that you find a manufacturer that specializes in dog park equipment. You will want equipment that will withstand the outdoor elements so that community members can utilize the dog park for years to come. To keep our furry friends safe and having fun, dog park equipment needs to be durable and installed properly.

Making sure the park is equipped with amenities such as waste stations, benches, and water fountains is the perfect finishing touch for a well-loved community dog park destination. You can also buy dog park kits (an ensemble of pre-selected items) for convenience.

Lastly, in designing your dog park, please remember these best practies:

• The best dog parks are the ones that include activities for dogs of all sizes, small, medium, and large for leisure play and training.

• The best layout is one that is fenced in with a gate and an accessible path back and forth from the parking lot to the park itself.

• The best separation concept is to create separate areas for small dogs and large dogs and placing size appropriate equipment in those areas.

About Madeline Dock:  Madeline is the Sales Coordinator for the National Accounts team at PlayCore.  She works daily with customers nationally to promote products across the entire PlayCore spectrum, including playgrounds, site amenities, dog parks, fitness parks, surfacing, aquatic products, shade & shelters, etc. Her favorite part of the job is providing solutions to help others connect and stay healthy by assisting communities in building up their outdoor spaces. It’s her own way to leave a positive impact on communities across America.

SOURCE: PlayCore, Unleashed: Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends and Planning Tips, 2018

Check out Playcore’s guide for a huge range of dog park equipment ideas and suggestions to use when you design your dog park.