Want to start a Dog Park?
By Andrew Simonow
Publisher CTDogParks.com
Dog parks are everywhere, in every state, but most have leash laws, which limits the places your dog can run free. Ever been to a dog park…. Yes of course! It’s not uncommon to see twenty, thirty dogs running, playing (off-leash) together. Fenced-in small parks, where dogs run free, hence “Dog Parks”.
According to Dan Emerson at dogchannel.com, the first official dog park opened in 1979. Today more than 700 dog’s parks are in existence, and more every week. What better place to exercise your dog and meet others who share the same interests. You can start a dog park!
Step one, don’t do it alone! You’ll need to organize a committee; you only need about five members. It’s important to show the need for a dog park. Some of the best members besides friends are local business’ that sell dog services, like groomers or pet stores. Someone in the towns politics would be very helpful.
Now go out and spread the word, create public awareness! Approach people walking their dogs. Start a petition, you’ll need this later. Post flyers about the proposed dog park in local grocery stores, animal clinics, pet stores, and grooming shops. Call the park department; ask about opening a dog park. You may find out that there is interest in progress.
The idea is to create public awareness in all directions. That way you’ll create momentum and gain the support you need.
Step two, locating your dog park! Your committee needs to list two or three locations for a dog park. Listing two or three will narrow your park to the very best location. Considerations will follow that will eliminate all but one. “Finding a location that might work tends to be the biggest hurdle any agency is going to run into,” says Rick Johnson, associate executive director of the Humane Society in California.
You’ll need to pick a location that doesn’t affect the surrounding neighborhood. Most dog parks are about an acre or so. Start within local parks and unused land. Ball fields, public land, and town parks is where most dog parks are located.
Step three, show me the money! Ok your committee has the killer location for your dog park, and your town (city) is agreeable. Local town (city) budgets are tight; odds are you’ll need to raise money. Create some fund raisers to help with things like fencing, benches, water fountains and more. Some easy ways to raise money include holding car (dog) washes, bake sales and selling dog related items.
Step four, who’s watching the park! Now that your dog park is up and running, establish a group to take care of the park. Keeping it in the public eye is a good idea. That means more fund raising from time to time, and an informational website. The group should take turns at the park during operating hours for clean-up. Visitors will notice a poorly maintained dog park so keep it freshly maintained.
