Start Walkin' and Talkin'
The best way to start a dog park or run in your neighborhood is to go out and talk to people who have dogs in hand. If they are out walking their dogs, chances are they would enjoy the chance to discuss a dog run in the community with you. Don't be shy; ask if they would like to join a committee. Grab a few people (you don't need a lot, just 5 or 10 folks who are passionate) and set up a time to meet at someone's house to discuss the next step.
Next Step: Where Should It Be?
You and your new group will need to ascertain a spot for the dog park. Most small dog parks are no bigger than an acre. Once you have nominated a site, it helps to let the community know of your plans ... just in case your newly picked spot interferes with a neighbor's rose garden. It also helps to get petitions signed. Try posting notices about the proposed dog park in pet stores, grooming shops, animal clinics and grocery stores. Write or email local newspapers to see if they could do a small story about the idea to gain more public awareness. After a while, you should have enough names to submit a letter and all of your signed petitions to your local parks and recreations department. You'll need to write a clear outline about the need for the dog park. It helps if you focus more on how the park will benefit the community as a whole instead of how it will benefit the dogs. The parks department will then be able to tell you if the area you have selected is available to you and your group, or they may suggest another area for you to consider.
Who Pays?
Once the area is designated as a place to support a dog park, you'll need to seek funds to build and prepare it. Funds can either be acquired through your local government or by private contributions. Either way, your city will probably insist you have the following amenities to make the park safe and usable:
- A fence with double-gated entry and exit
- Nearby parking
- Handicap accessible
- Water fountains for both dogs and owners
- Seating
- Shaded areas
- Poop bag dispensers
- Trash cans
You'll want to immediately organize a dog park council or group to help maintain and monitor the park. The city will also need to know who to call in the event there are issues or other concerns from neighbors or other members of the community. This council will also be responsible for developing the rules of the park, cleaning up after hours, mowing the grass, mending fences, etc. You'll also be responsible for setting up meetings with your city officials to assess the park's success and what needs to be improved.
Is It Worth It?
After reading all of this, you are probably asking yourself if all this effort is really worth it so that a bunch of
mutts can run around for an hour everyday. The answer is "Of course!" Dogs need a lot of
exercise and a dog park is the perfect place to let them roam free and find playmates. It's also a
perfect place for you to relax, read a book and know that your dog isn't going anywhere. And, in case you
need further convincing, a dog park is also a great place to meet new people and make new friends. So, go
on out there and form a committee today. Your dog will thank you for it later!
