PLANNING A DOG PARK IN FLORIDA
Dog Park Agility Equipment Bradenton
We know there’s no guidebook to planning and building a dog park, so, our project managers make it less complicated for you. From Tampa to Naples, we’ll meet with you and discuss your needs including size of park, budget, features, and end-goals.
Dog Park Equipment Supplier Bradenton, FL
You’ll receive a site plan and drawings that show your new park with the essential needs for your doggie park. We’ll recommend, supply and install your site amenities, dog park agility equipment, trash receptacles, shade, shelters, water fountains, surfacing and if needed, your fencing. You can even match your community’s branding, logos and colors throughout your dog playground area. Here are some recommendations for your dog park.
What size area to use for your off leash dog park?
Dog Park Design Tampa, FL
There isn’t a formula for designing your dog park, but crowding should be a major consideration.
This applies to not only the number of dogs, but also for parking and dog owners entering & exiting. You’ll want to account for seating areas, as well as other amenities for the dog park area, giving owners and dogs their space to enjoy the area without getting into territory issues.
What are some of the essentials components for your dog park?
Dog Park Agility Equipment
Dog Park Equipment Company Bradenton | Tampa | Fort Myers | Naples
Just as parks have playgrounds, so should your dog park.
Dog Agility Training Components:
Dog Jumps
Dog Tunnels
Dog Weaves
Dog Teeters
Dog Hurdles
Dog Seesaw
Dog Playgrounds
Your park may not be specific to dog training, or dog agility training, but having a few components the dogs are able to climb on/around/through helps create more interest from the rest of the community. Allow for plenty of separation, greater than 20’, between the features and install randomly rather than in a circuit. This variation gives owners and dogs more variety in how they’re used.
Although our steel series dog play equipment is durable, we’ve seen a surge in the interest of recycled plastic dog play equipment as it is less prone to corrosion from dog urine versus steel.
Dog Park Furniture Supplier - Site Furnishings Near Bradenton, FL
Dog Parks quickly becoming neighborhood gathering spots for dog owners and having outdoor park furniture throughout the park is essential. Be sure that the benches are adequately away from the fences to encourage more traffic around the perimeter. Center-post mounted steel benches and tables are preferred to prevent dogs from urinating on the support posts. Recycled plastic benches and tables are recommended, too. Avoid placing these features at the entrance of the dog park to prevent territory issues.
Recommended Dog Park Site Furnishings:
Steel or Recycled Park Benches
Picnic Shade Benches
Mini Shelter
Steel or Recycled Dog Park Picnic Tables
Steel or Recycled Dog Park Trash Receptacles
Steel or Recycled Dog Park Waste Stations
Dog Park Shade Canopies
Shade Structures & Shade Sails for Dog Parks
Shade Canopy Supplier near Bradenton, Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples
Shade sails and shade structures are essential for your Florida dog park. Fabric shade structures are more cost-effective than a typical steel or wooden shade shelter, and more durable over the long term. The shade fabric warranty should be a minimum 10 years, and include a mechanism to remove the canopy in the event of inclement weather, e.g. winds exceeding 75 mph with shade canopy on. Unfortunately, Florida requires permitting and engineering to assure your shade sails or shade structures are able to weather big storms.
Gazebos and picnic pavilions are also great additions to protect from rain, heat and UV rays. If you’re considering adding picnic tables, they can also be protected under the pavilion.
Dog Park Sanitation
Dog Park Sanitation Products:
Dog Waste Stations
Trash Receptacles
Doggie Pot Waste Receptacles
Keeping your park clean is something that everyone should be vigilant about. Add plenty of waste receptacles for dog waste throughout the park, including a larger container at the entry points. These dog waste stations need to be monitored and emptied frequently. Dog waste bag dispensers are also encouraged and should be available at every station.
If you have trash receptacles, be sure these are located outside of the park, to prevent dogs from potentially accessing and eating trash. Picnic tables are considered for seating, but not to encourage owners to picnic at the dog park. If an eating area is included it should be outside of the fenced dog park.
Dog Park Surfacing near Bradenton | Tampa | Fort Myers | Naples
Dog Park Surfacing Options:
Engineered Wood Fiber
Artificial Turf (Synthetic Grass)
Loose-fill Rubber
Crushed Stone or Shell
Pea Gravel
Concrete
Although St. Augustine and Centipede is the cheapest and most natural option, a busy dog park will wear out thatch for even the hardiest strands. Consider using a more durable product for the high wear areas, similar to playground surfacing. Wear areas are around the perimeter of the fences, and entry/exit regions.
If using Engineered Wood Fiber, be sure to include at minimum 3-6”, and be sure that adequate drainage is addressed. As afternoon showers are expected, and several inches of rains are the norm for our summer months, you must address drainage from the get go. We don’t recommend an underlying mesh fabric as the dogs will dig through the loose material and tear up the liner.
Dog Park Water Fountains/ Dog Park Drinking Fountains
Water is essential for active dogs and your park should include for pet drinking fountains near the entrance/exit as well as in the interior of the park. Good quality drinking fountains will drain properly minimizing the likelihood of mosquito breeding. Make sure the fountains are draining properly so water is minimally splashed on the surrounding surface. You don’t want standing water and mud accompanying your trips to the park.
Parks that have splashpads and dog washing basins are very popular, but this is much larger upfront financial commitment, not to mention the facilities personnel that have to maintain the park. With good planning and maintenance you’ll keep a sanitary play area for the entire community.
Dog Park Fencing
Fencing is a major concern, not only to restrict the dogs from running away, but also to allow for transitioning dogs and owners from interior/exterior through a self-closing double gate. This prevents dogs that aren’t on their leashes from escaping. Fence height recommendations are upwards of 5’, and should also have prevention from digging under the fence.
If space and budget permit, a separate area for small & medium dogs is preferred, and a larger large dog area will allow pet owners and pets to roam further without dealing with territory disputes.
Additional essential components
Your dog park is a community gathering spot and with that, you need to recognize that accessibility is a requirement. This includes proper parking, and accessible routes to and from the dog park. The use of accessible dog park surfacing is also highly recommended. Consider that dog owners have strollers, wheelchairs and walking assistance devices.
Be sure to include proper signage indicating the park operating hours, as well as recommendations to keeping your park clean and safe. By stating expectations of owners and guests, you’re sure to have a popular destination that everyone takes pride in for years to come.