If you are visually impaired or blind, you can visit the PDF version by Pressing CONTROL + ALT + 4
You need a JavaScript-enabled browser to view this Publication
Please follow these steps to view the Publication:
Enable JavaScript in your browser
Refresh this page
Best regards
Zmags
UNLEASHED
Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends & Planning Tips™
02
Building communities through play & recreation™
Building communities through play & recreation™
CONTENTS
FOREWARD ____________________________________ 3
MAKING THE CASE _______________________________ 5
The Value of Dog Parks ______________________________ 5
Health & Well-Being Benefits __________________________ 7
Social & Community Benefits___________________________ 9
DESIGNING A HIGH-QUALITY DOG PARK ______________ 11
Dog-friendly Settings _______________________________ 11
Location & Context ________________________________ 15
Exercise & Agility Equipment ___________________________ 19
Amenities & Accessories _____________________________ 27
Drainage & Surfacing Materials _________________________ 35
Plantings & Landscaping _
UNLEASHED Off-leash Dog Park Design Trends & Plan
Building communities through play & recreation™
2
FOREWARD
Many years ago, when I began hearing about “dog p
Making the Case To better advocate for off-lea
48% households own at least one dog 89.7 Million
Health & Well-Being Benefits It is no surprise t
“ People say, ‘I never knew my neighb
Social & Community Benefits Dog parks are so
Sitting areas provide a welcoming environment for
Designing a High-Quality Dog Park Designing a
planning for this segment of the population. It i
Rest Areas Traveling on the open road can
Urban areas with limited space are offering rooft
Location & Context Selecting a location for a ne
When considering locations, The Humane Society of
James Hunter Park The James Hunter Park in Arlin
Open lawn with benches
Exercise & Agility Equipment Dogs were made to
Dog Park Equipment Ideas
Jump Generally a series of circles, jumps provid
Weave Posts Made for dogs of all sizes, weave po
Photo Booth Panel Including a photo booth provid
Agility Standards Agility courses designed for c
Equipment Materials & Finishes Dog park equipmen
Powder Coating
Amenities & Accessories There are a variety
As suggested by the American Kennel Club and the
Gates All gates should be fitted with a spring f
Seating areas provide a meeting place for dog own
Shade and Shelter Shade, whether natural or buil
As per the U.S. Department of Justice22, a
Fencing Some off-leash areas may be completely f
Equipment Users*
Drainage & Surfacing Materials Adequate draina
Grass Grass surfaces are soft underfoot, are vis
Heavily Compacted Base Rock or Gravel Rock or gr
This chart is provided as a basic overview of the
Plantings & Landscaping Some dog parks may be de
Non-Toxic Plants: Clockwise from top left: Turf L
Layout & Design Typologies Providing a good vari
When including exercise-based activities, look fo
Large and Small Dog Combined Space It is always
Multi-Purpose In addition to providing areas for
Maintaining & Sustaining Your Dog Park As with
Equipment Inspection & Maintenance Because dog
Use a blower or vacuum to remove loose debris. Ho
Additional maintenance may be needed or require
Planning & Community Engagement Strategies Gre
Write a clear mission statement A mission statem
Partnerships & Fundraising Securing funds is one
Dog Walk The popular method of raising money thr
Sponsorship Campaigns Start your sponsorship
There are varying advantages and considerations f
Marketing for Success Marketing is a very impo
“ Dogs are not our whole life, but
to use the taped segment (or link to it) be sure
Programming the Space Consider providing the com
CASE STUDIES
The following case studies illustrate how a varie
Increasing services for stress-free travel Buffal
a flight is delayed, a traveler is dealing with a
Yappy hour and more, putting the FUN in fundraisi
Every month from, May till October, CCPRC hosts Y
Transforming an underused floodplain into a PAWpu
and pines are used for natural shade. Black vinyl
Embracing the needs of residents and donors throu
enjoyable. The DPAC consisted of community mem
PAWineers of the RV park industry Lake Geor
The tradition of designing new amenities to meet
A unique partnership for increasing dogs’ and dog
In Vancouver, open spaces for dogs to roam freely
References & Resources 1. The Trust for
Resources American Kennel Club www.akc.org/ Ameri
UNLEASHED Sinto et ut adi re peles escimaion perc