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Recommendations and Guidelines for Dog Park Site Selection, Design, Operations and Maintenance <br /> <br />Page 9 <br /> Protect Natural Areas: Dog park areas should not be located in or in close proximity to natural areas <br />where flora and fauna, such as ground nesting birds, small mammals, and native plants, would be <br />disturbed. <br /> Geographic Distribution: Dog park areas should be distributed in the City such that there is equitable <br />distribution to dog parks in the City. <br />Guidelines for Design of New Dog Parks <br /> Fencing Height and Type: A minimum of a 4 foot high chain link fence, either galvanized or vinyl <br />coated, be installed around the perimeter of the site. <br /> Perimeter Plantings/Buffers: If the budget and site permit, and if it is necessary to buffer the dog run <br />area, vegetation should be planted on the outside of the fence to aid in the aesthetic quality of the <br />site and to assist in mitigating noise associated with the dog park. <br /> Entrance Design: An entry corral, consisting of at least an 8 foot x 8 foot fenced area with two gates, <br />should be provided to allow for pet owners to safely unleash their dog prior to letting them in the dog <br />run area. <br /> Visual Character and Aesthetics: Dog parks should be located so as not to detract from the aesthetic <br />quality of a park or open space. Ideally, the dog park should be designed to integrate well into the <br />existing site. <br /> Surfacing: A variety of surfaces may be used within a site. Crushed fines at the entry are <br />recommended as this area has a concentration of use. In smaller dog run areas, a larger crushed fines <br />area is recommended as the concentration of dogs may not allow grass to grow. All surfaces should <br />be easy to maintain. If possible, lawn areas should be rested periodically to allow the turf to recover. <br /> Separate Areas for Large and Small Dogs: When space permits, separate small dog areas should be <br />provided for dogs up to 25 pounds. <br /> Signage: Rules shall be clearly posted, including codes of behavior, hours, and requirements for entry. <br /> ADA Accessibility: Barrier free access to the site shall be provided, as well as an area through the <br />corral and at the entry. Barrier free paths through the dog run area should be provided if space and <br />funding permit. <br /> Trash Containers: Trash containers and waste removal bag holders shall be provided in the dog run <br />area, making sure that they are located with easy access for maintenance vehicles. <br /> Site Furniture: Ideally, several benches should be provided in convenient locations to allow for <br />gathering and resting throughout the dog park area. <br /> Pathways: Walking trails around the perimeter would encourage owners to interact with and monitor <br />their dogs more closely, as well as to provide additional ease of access to the entire site, and should <br />be provided if there is sufficient space and funding. <br /> Shade: Trees and/or small shade structures should be provided if the site has insufficient shade to <br />allow humans and dogs to retreat from the sun.