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the trust for public land dog parks 101, 2019 2 become dusty in drier climates or seasons. Regular mulch or engineered wood fiber is increasingly used in playgrounds, but needs to be replaced often, depending on the usage patterns. • AN ALTERNATIVE to fenced and gated sites are areas that are subject to time restrictions for off-leash use. Prime examples are Long Meadow in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY, or Boston Common, which have off-leash rotating areas depending on the time of the year. These parks set out specific areas as well as specific times of day for off-leash usage. • DOG WASTE PLAN (bag dispensers and trashcans) – A key requirement of any dog park is dealing with dog waste, as well as general trash and recycling. All dog owners should be strongly encouraged to bring their own bags (you never know where a dog will poop!) and be encouraged to “pack it out,” to minimize the impact on the dog park as well as the ongoing maintenance and operations for the parks department. • A DESIGN TO ENCOURAGE MOVEMENT. We’ve heard from many dog trainers and public health officials that a key ingredient in developing good park areas are designs that keep dogs and their people moving in the off-leash area. Many people might think that unclipping your dog’s leash once inside the double gate and plopping oneself down on a bench is all you need to do. Nope. Dogs are pack animals and love to socialize, but also need to be managed by their owners. We all need exercise, and areas for object chasing, agility and other forms of activity, mixed with socialization, are a key contributors to a great dog park. 2. Make sure your dog park is open and inviting. Try to make your dog park inviting to everyone, not just dogs and their owners or walkers. As many case studies have shown, having a good working relationship with neighbors is critical to the success of any dog park. While welcoming elements might be considered frills, it is important to think about what makes your favorite park inviting and welcoming, as many of the same rules apply. • WATER FOUNTAINS OR FEATURES for humans and pups. Having a source of water, especially in warmer climates, is key. Dogs can get overheated easily, and we all want everyone to stay hydrated and safe. • SEATING FOR HUMANS. Generally, it is a good idea to keep people and their dogs moving, but everyone needs a break. Having seating is good; it can often double as an agility feature. • PARKING AND BIKE RACKS. Not everyone can walk their dog to the park; some people need to come via other means. • SHADE. In general, we need trees in our parks, and dog parks are no exception. Alternatives can include shade structures, like those increasingly found shading playgrounds in warmer climates. • SIGNAGE. It is very important to post clearly at dog park entrances the park’s hours, rules, volun- teer opportunities, and opportunities for joining friends-of-the-park or dog park groups. • VISUAL ATTRACTIVENESS, ESPECIALLY FROM OUTSIDE THE PARK. It is important to be a good neighbor to the rest of the park, the adjacent street, and local residents and businesses. Improvements such as flower plantings, attractive street fencing, and artwork are always welcome and are ways that the local friends group can make a difference in the upkeep of the park. One of the authors passes his community dog park going to and from the subway each day, and it’s a lively place with dogs and their people socializing, playing together, and engaging with passersby. (There’s a set of athletic fields and a very busy hike-and-bike trail in the immediate vicinity.) 3. Be open and communicative. Be sure to cast a wide net and work with likely as well as unlikely allies as you work to plan, build, and run your dog park. GROUPS FAVORING DOG PARKS should reach out to the city’s parks department to determine if there are ordinances as well as design standards (including the elements mentioned above) that need to be followed in order to create a dog park. Groups favoring dog parks should also reach out to current users of the park, and local community leaders, to understand the history of the community and the park, prior and current park uses, and other possible plans or efforts for the park that may be