Little Bay Dog Run, Queens NY 

Dog parks are an excellent location for your dog to release energy and socialize with other dogs as well as humans.  What do you do if your community lacks a dog park?  Take the imitative and start a dog park yourself. 

To begin, you will need to rally the troops.  Find some like-minded neighbors who would be willing to join you in your crusade.  After you have found the appropriate number to round out your committee – five to ten people will do, begin the next step.

It is now time for your newly formed committee to scour the community in search of the perfect location for the dog park.  On average, dog parks are usually an acre of land.  In larger cities where open land is scarce this clearly will not be the case.  When scouting a location look for a grassy area (or an area that could easily become grassy) with trees. 

Once you have decided on a couple locations your committee will need to hit the streets with petitions in hand.  Go door-to-door, set up a table at the local farmer’s market, go to nearby pet stores, veterinary offices, groomers etc.  Get the word out and as many signatures as possible.  Also consider utilizing the local media to help raise awareness

The next step will be for the group to secure a location for the dog park. Keep in mind dog parks are usually an acre. However, some areas have more acreage available. Once a site has been ascertained you should notify the community of your plans. Before going to your neighborhood parks and recreation department you should have petitions signed. Your group could go door to door or set up sign up sheets in pet stores, veterinary and animal clinics, kennels and grooming salons. Another option for public awareness is to contact the local newspaper to see if they would write a story about the dog park idea.

Once you have the signed petitions to submit to your local parks and recreation department, you’ll need to write an outline about the need for the dog park. It would be beneficial if the outline focused on how the park will benefit the community instead of how it will benefit the dogs. The parks and recreation department will let you know if the area you’ve selected is available.

Once an area is selected, you’ll need to look for funds to prepare the area. You can obtain funds through private contributions or local government. Your city will probably require the following amenities for the park:

• Fence with entry and exit
• Parking
• Handicap access
• Water fountains
• Seating
• Shaded areas
• Poop bag dispensers
• Trash cans

You will need to organize a council to help maintain and monitor the park. The city will need to know who to call if there are any issues from the community or neighbors. The council will develop the rules for the park such as mowing the grass, cleaning up after hours, and mending fences. It would be helpful to plan meetings with the parks department to evaluate the parks success and on how to improve the area.

Having a dog park is a lot of work but it’s worth it. It’s a great place for the dogs to exercise and a good place to meet people. So start working on forming a committee today.