Want A Dog Park?
Here’s How To Plan And Design It
Sponsored Content
As a park supervisor or manager, there’s a great deal that goes into day-to-day operations, so it comes as no surprise that creating the ideal dog park takes an extraordinary amount of planning, well before the first waste bag dispenser can be installed.
Aside from unique zoning and building laws, there are a host of other architectural and landscaping issues that need to be taken into consideration when designing a dog park in the community, regardless of budget.
Analyzing Project Setbacks
From a landscaping perspective, setbacks are important when starting any kind of land-based project. States can have limits on where you can install certain fixtures, like water fountains, and other structures, in relation to nearby property lines.
A consultation with your town or city’s zoning and planning department will help alleviate any confusion regarding building restrictions.
Essential Building Specifications
Once a viable space has been carved out, procuring the proper building and landscaping specs, as it pertains to the safety of both dogs and their owners, becomes the next priority.
For example, if your park is going to be built in a climate that’s prone to droughts, you will have to consider xeriscaping as an option. Conversely, if it's an area prone to above-average rainfall, steep grading will have to be done to help maintain proper drainage and functionality.
Hard and soft scape elements also need to be taken into consideration. For instance, there are a host of plants and flowers that are harmful to pets when ingested, so having someone well versed in horticulture can be helpful.
Also, when installing items like pet agility equipment or park benches, you must add pet-safe mulch around footers. Enlisting the help of an expert gardener or landscaper can move the process along.
Seamless Environmental Integration
One of the most important considerations when planning a dog park is to evaluate how much of an impact its construction will have on the surrounding natural environment.
Dog parks nowadays are being retrofitted with environmental technology that does everything from convert sunlight into usable energy to collect rainwater to irrigate nearby greenspaces.
When dealing with waste, having reliable pet stations, complete with proper waste bags and trash receptacles can go a long way in establishing a truly integrated, man-made space that gives back just as much as it takes out, in terms of environmental use and carbon footprint.
Investing in Quality Service
Aside from being the foremost expert on commercial pet products, DOGIPOT ® has a trusted team of landscapers and planners than can help sort out the important details that go into executing the dog park plans that’s right for your community.
For more information on how our products can help you build the dog-friendly area that your clientele want most, visit dogipot.com/how-to-order, or call (800) 364-7681.
Dog Park Recommends:
DOGIPARK ® Dog Shaped Three Hoop Jump
Decorative Fire Hydrant
Aluminum DOGIPOT ® Pet Station
And plenty of SMART Litter Pick Up Bags™