Although housing developments in the United States are steadily witnessing good expansions, industry reports have it that lot sizes are reducing drastically and this comes with numerous negative effects.
Communities are looking to build and sustain good neighborhoods with higher population density and smaller yards, but we quickly forget that dog parks are very valuable because of the relative lack of green space for dogs to enjoy.
Dog parks are vital for dogs who require off-leash areas to play and exercise. These parks make it possible for dogs to embrace their instincts, ensure that they can stay calm and comfortable around other dogs and people, and enjoy the freedom to run and burn off excess energy.
Steps to Design a Dog Park
Just like every other construction project, you need to consider a whole lot of factors when looking to design a viable dog park. Although these factors are pertinent and will most often vary, below are notable steps to guide you through the design process.
1. Research and Planning
To ensure you come up with a valuable design that will suit the needs of your visitors and their canine buddies, you will first want to carry out extensive research, particularly on existing dog parks in your area. Don’t forget to take into account the size of the park as related to the community’s population and dog ownership.
2. Site Selection
Do not underestimate the importance of the right site for your dog park. You must opt for a location that has ample space, most ideally away from residential areas to limit noise.
You will also want to ensure that the location you choose has the right accessibility for all community members, especially those with disabilities.
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
It is recommended that you understand all you can regarding your local regulations while also acquiring every relevant permit needed to design and develop a dog park. It is also essential you adhere to all safety standards, zoning laws, as well dog park-related environmental regulations.
4. Designing the Layout
This is where you come up with the actual layout for your dog park. It is recommended you share the park into specific areas for varying dog sizes or play styles.
In this modern age, it is recommended you inculcate features such as agility courses, open spaces, and shaded areas. Don’t forget to plan for separate entrances as well as exit gates to limit congestion.
5. Fencing and Security
Regardless of how beautiful they are, dogs are known to be adventurous and daring. Owing to that, ensure to put in place well-secured fencing to be certain that dogs won’t escape and to guarantee the safety of park users. You might want to install double-gated entry points to make sure dogs won’t bolt when entering or exiting.
6. Surfacing
Nothing speaks volumes for your park like the right features and proper surfacing. To save on future unnecessary expenses, you should go with a durable and comfortable surface, such as grass, turf, or specialized dog-friendly flooring. Don’t forget the need for the right drainage to avoid waterlogging and mud issues.
7. Amenities and Furnishings
You will want to install benches, waste disposal stations, as well as water fountains for dog owners. Consider putting in place agility equipment such as tunnels, ramps, and jumps for dogs’ physical stimulation.
Don’t also forget to plant dog-friendly vegetation that is safe for pets and boosts the aesthetics of the park. Also, establish shaded areas leveraging trees or structures to shield dogs and owners from the scorching heat.
8. Signage and Information
This is a very important feature of any dog park. You will want to install easy-to-read signage with park rules, safety guidelines, as well as contact information. You should also include a map of the park layout for visitors’ convenience.
It is also recommended you leverage the opportunity to come up with a regular maintenance schedule for cleaning, repairing, and inspecting the park.
Tips for Dog Park Floor Plan and Bar Layout
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Choose the right location
Just as it was noted above, you cannot afford to underestimate the importance of the right site for your dog park. Normally, it is recommended you opt for an area situated off to the side or better still towards the back of the community.
Aside from that, you will also want your park to be easily accessible to all residents. Don’t forget that dog parks do not necessarily have to be situated in perfectly flat areas.
Most often, the areas in your community that are not ideal for other uses due to a slope or rough terrain can prove useful or the best choice for your park because it ensures you can make more use of available land.
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Fencing the park and a properly designed entrance
While dog parks are known to vary in their designs, all of them tend to possess two basic structures: fencing around the perimeter and a staged entrance area.
In the United States, fences of dog parks are known to be around five feet or higher to ensure that dogs won’t scale over it. If the resources are available, you should opt for a double gate system.
Keep in mind that this area will ensure anyone coming to the park will have some breathing room as they enter and exit with their pet. Aside from that, it also ensures that dogs won’t run off or escape.
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Gate placement
Keep in mind that corners of the dog park are not ideal, as it makes it easier for new dogs coming into the park to be cornered by other dogs as they get into the park or greet each other.
Among dogs, this can be quite disastrous and can easily lead to dog fights. Most often, it is recommended you mount the gate along the side of the park to ensure that dogs have a full 180 degrees to enter.
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Small dogs and large dogs
A good number of dog parks tend to possess two separate sections. One side can be for small dogs (usually less than 35 pounds) and the other for the bigger ones.
Keep in mind that these areas are entirely separate enclosures to ensure that the dogs cannot mix. It is also recommended you erect a double gate that can be used to enter either section of the dog park, saving you money on building costs.
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Signage
Same as with every other park, your dog park will need to have specific rules and regulations, including contact information for authorities and management appended on a permanent sign on the entry gate to the park. Some of the dog park rules and regulations you will want to consider include:
- This park is for the use of residents and their pets only
- Dogs in heat are not permitted inside the park.
- No food, beverages, glass, sharp objects, or weapons are allowed to be brought into the park.
- Owners are expected to carry a leash at all times. Dogs will also need to be leashed before entering and before leaving the park.
- Owners are always responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by them.
- Animals with a history of aggressive behavior are not allowed.
- Puppies will need to be at least four months old to be allowed into the park
- Owners shouldn’t for any reason leave their dogs unattended or allowed out of sight.
- Children under the age of 16 are not allowed into the park unless actively supervised by a parent.
- Puppies and dogs will have to be properly licensed, inoculated, and healthy to use the park.
- Animals should don a collar and ID tags at all times.
- Owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.
- Dogs that exhibit aggression towards people or other animals will immediately be removed from the park.
- Violators will be immediately removed from the park and suspended from park privileges.
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Park seating
You cannot have a dog park without the right seating and benches. Note that dog parks for decades have proven to be one of the best places to meet fellow residents and socialize.
As such, you will find that the benches are most often placed together. Don’t also forget to take into consideration the seating material. Aluminum is an ideal choice as it is less affected by weather and doesn’t absorb odor like wood will.
Factors to Consider When Designing a Dog Park
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Location and Accessibility
Don’t underestimate the importance of accessibility for pet owners. Ensure that the park is conveniently located within the community and can be reached easily by foot or car.
Take into account other factors like its closeness to residential areas, parking facilities, as well as public transportation options. Aside from that, the park will also need to be located away from busy roads to limit noise and safety concerns.
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Size and Layout
Keep in mind that a properly designed park needs to feature separate areas for small, medium, and large dogs, especially since it will limit or entirely avoid potential conflicts and guarantee a safe environment for all furry visitors.
You will also want ample space to ensure that dogs can run, play, and socialize. Don’t forget the need for good landscaping as it will provide shade, agility elements, as well as seating for pet owners.
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Safety Measures
Install secure fencing all around the perimeter to ensure that dogs won’t escape, and be certain to go for materials that are durable and resistant to chewing.
Just as was noted above, you might want to leverage or install double-gated entry points to reduce the possibility of dogs bolting when getting into or exiting the park.
Be sure to sample your park rules and regulations to ensure that pet owners understand what they are expected to do, like cleaning up after their pets and making sure vaccinations are up-to-date.
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Amenities and Enrichment
To design a dog park that attracts the right crowd, you will have to offer more than just the basics. Keep in mind that putting in place amenities and enrichment features further boosts the overall experience for both the dogs and their owners.
Consider enrichment elements like agility courses, dog-friendly structures, as well as designated digging areas, since they all work to stimulate dogs mentally and physically.
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Maintenance and Sustainability
To guarantee the longevity and success of a dog park, you will want to come out with a well-detailed maintenance plan. You need to steadily inspect fencing, amenities, and grounds for wear and tear and quickly deal with any issues. Put in place efficient waste management systems to ensure that the park is always clean and odor-free.
In addition, take into account sustainable design practices that can include using eco-friendly materials, leveraging drought-resistant landscaping, as well as installing energy-efficient lighting to limit environmental impact.