March 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 43

To encourage conversation with other
pet owners, consider placing benches
next to others in small groupings in each
use zone.
which are unsanitary. Unwashed
containers and standing water can
spread disease to dogs and create
mosquito havens. Ensure fountains
are all stainless steel to prevent rust.
Often, fountain manufacturers offer
add-on options, such as hose bibbs
for maintenance crews, freezeresistant
valves for year-round use,
Americans with Disabilities Act
accessibility, and even locations for
sponsorship plaques to honor park
donors. Irrigation systems are beneficial
regardless of surfacing type.
Water helps to reduce dusty conditions
and can significantly reduce
unwanted odors from urine, especially
in arid climates.
Restroom Facilities
While dogs are not too particular
about where they go to relieve themselves,
their owners will expect some
sort of restroom facility, even if it is
just a portable toilet. This becomes
critical at larger destination parks. If
a restroom just isn't an option, consider
at least installing a hand sanitizer
station and a water supply.
Lighting
Timed lighting helps to maintain a
safe environment, extend hours of
use, and can help prevent vandalism.
Consider using automated lighting
to reduce energy consumption
and unnecessary light pollution. If
you're looking for an environmentally
friendly and low-maintenance
lighting solution, consider solar.
Unlike traditional lighting that may
be on the same circuit (which may
not be available at all locations),
when one solar light goes out, the
others will still stay on.
Furniture and
Shade Shelters
Dog parks help build a strong community
and social ties. To encourage
conversation with other pet
owners, consider placing benches
next to others in small groupings
in each use zone. Avoid installing
seating areas near entrances to alleviate
congestion and encourage
the use of the entire park. Powdercoated
finish on metal helps protect
against rust. Recycled plastic
furniture is another alternative, as
it is highly durable and won't rust,
rot or degrade over time.
Customization of benches and
other fixtures allows you to highlight
your
community or park
name, and " selling " these benches
to sponsors also can help offset the
cost of outfitting your park.
Shade shelters or gazebos are
highly recommended to help shield
park users from rain, ultraviolet
rays and hot sun, even in cooler
climates. Fabric shade shelters are
inexpensive and may not require
a building permit - but be sure
to check zoning requirements.
Also, the fabric will need to be removed
seasonally in regions with
heavy snow or hurricanes. Larger
hard-roofed shelters provide more
permanent solutions and could become
an important social location
in your community.
Engaging Community
Support
Dog parks are social hubs and expand
community
involvement.
They provide outdoor exercise for
individuals who may not otherwise
participate in organized sports or
recreation. Compared to children's
playgrounds
or other
activities
that may be dependent on " good "
weather, dog parks are used yearround,
regardless of what Mother
Nature has in mind.
Dog parks provide community
destinations
construction
with
relatively
low
and maintenance
costs. Meanwhile, selling the concept
to a reluctant community can
be challenging. The key is to communicate
how your dog park can
serve residents, attract visitors, and
enhance services provided through
your community.
Brian " BK " Koehler is Director of the Park
Maintenance Institute (bk@prps.org).
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | MARCH 2 0 2 3
| Parks & Recreation
43
March 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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