commercial dog park amenities

Commercial Dog ParksMasters Welcome…

Estimated 2013 U.S. MarketFor 2013, it estimated that $55.53 billion will bespent on our pets in the U.S.

Number of US Households with a PetDog 56.7

Number of Pets in the USDog 83.3

By Kelli AndersonFor Kelly Acree and her husband, tired of the dust

bowls, mud pits and general discomfort of the dog parks in their Dallas, Texas, neighborhoods, the thought of creating an indoor dog park seemed like a good idea. The resulting success of their 50,000-square-foot indoor dream-come-true in March 2009, Unleashed, has proven that others think so, too.

"We researched all around the country and many parks lacked amenities," said Acree about their effort to identify the best and avoid the worst of many outdoor dog parks. "Although some are really trying—even having toy/treat vending machines—it's as much about the owner as the dog. You exercise your dog 30 minutes and go home in a traditional park, but our customers spend three or four hours here easily—some all day."

And there's a good reason why. With a 25,000-square-foot space dedicated for indoor freedom, dogs can romp with other four-legged friends monitored by trained attendants in a climate-controlled, comfortable space, while their owners can take advantage of free Wi-Fi, as they sip a cappuccino in the café, pick up a new toy at the pet center or relax in the lounge areas overlooking the main floor.

Describing itself as a new kind of amusement park, complete with waterfall, spa-like feel and a soon-to-be-completed outdoor park with splash area, it is ideally suited for the American family that more and more includes Rover as one of its core members. And it's not just about bells and whistles—although there are plenty. Attention has also been paid to the basics. As anyone who has been around dogs can attest, "tell-tail" signs of a doggie domain can be unsightly and smelly. However, thanks to a heavy-duty HVAC system, giant 20-foot ceiling fans and an anti-microbial artificial turf with a proprietary drainage system beneath the flooring, Unleashed has ensured that its environment smells fresh and stays spotless."We are really seeing an increase, week by week of new clients," Acree said of their recession-proof business that has registered more than 7,000 clients so far. "We had one customer tell us that she has decided to forgo eating out to come here. It says a lot about what people are willing to do for their companions."Like the evolution of fitness and aquatic centers before them, successful recreational spaces for dogs and their owners—whether indoor or out—are offering space for fitness as well as comfort, community and creative fun that are good for the users and great for business.And while Americans have always loved their dogs, something has profoundly shifted in our relationship to man's best friend. One has only to look at the booming pet industry of designer dog apparel, gourmet and organic dog food and TV shows like "The Dog Whisperer" to recognize that dogs have moved in from the traditional doghouse and into the family unit itself.For many who now wait longer to get married and to have children, dogs become their first "family," which may explain why across the country so many community groups are clamoring for dog parks of their own. To date, an estimated 1,200 dog parks—many created in partnership with community groups and their park districts—are in use with hundreds more on the drawing board.

TIPS & TRENDS FROM TODAY'S HOTTEST DOG PARKS

Barking Up the Right Tree

Best in ShowMost dog parks have been designed over the

years to give dogs a simple and secure space to run and play, yet have often overlooked a key user of this recreational space: the people. But today, dog parks that win "best in show" are those that go beyond the simple fenced enclosure with a list of rules posted at the gate. They are spaces that recognize and are responding to the changing relationship owners have with their pets and the desire they have to create community with others in a safe, regulated environment.

"People see the benefit of exercising their dogs and themselves, and are willing to pay for a safe, regulated park," said Pam Stanley, owner of nationally award-winning Shaggy Pines Dog Park in Grand Rapids, Mich. "A lot of dog parks, especially city dog parks, don't temperament-test the dogs or make sure they are vaccinated. We're strict on that and require all vaccinations and temperament-test the dogs on site. People appreciate it—it's a healthier and safer place."

Stanley is quick to point out, however, that most city parks have a more difficult time regulating their parks without the kind of funding needed to do so.

However, for the very popular dog parks created by the park district in Indianapolis, keeping dogs and owners safe and dog parks more regulated has proven to be not only possible but revenue-generating as well.

"The initial push for a dog park came from our user groups," said Kent Knorr, manager of revenue and special facilities with the parks and recreation department of the city. "Broad Ripple Dog Park was our first and a major success. We sold passes that were available in January and were sold out by spring. It's become such a phenomenon that people are always asking how to get them in their own communities."To date, Indianapolis has built two other larger dog parks and is in the process of planning more. What Knorr appreciates about their system is that it not only generates much-needed revenue through a variety of passes that can be purchased on an as-needed or annual-membership basis, but their system also allows the city to regulate the parks' users and their safety.Dog owners who provide proof of updated vaccinations and pay a fee are given reader cards that activate the magnetic gate system at the city's dog parks. Discounts are given for those with more than one dog or for those buying passes late in the season to further encourage people to abide by the rules and participate in the program. Because so many people now use Indianapolis's growing number of dog parks, they have recently instituted a VIP ("Very Important Pooch") option that allows users to access all their dog parks instead of specific ones, as in years past. Another benefit of issuing membership passes and charging even a modest fee is that it imbues the members with an even greater sense of ownership. User groups that usually invest a large amount of time and energy to create dog parks are typically motivated to see to it that their parks are well kept; issuing passes makes it even more so. "Members really treat it like it's theirs," Stanley says of her park's clients. "They're part owners and are very good about picking up after themselves. We found that they'll even pay it forward and pick up after others who miss theirs." Knorr agrees, indicating that in his 10 years of dog park experience, people are good to clean up after their pets. It is a non-issue.

CONTINUED…

Paws for ThoughtMaking sure that a dog park is well designed and

maintained, however, is a first step that is essential to success. Today's most-lauded dog parks are careful to address issues of safety, comfort, aesthetics and amenities. Like most good projects, it starts with good planning.

Ten years ago when Martha Burgess, landscape designer for Judith Heinz Landscape Architects in New York City, completed one of the city's largest dog runs at the Theodore Roosevelt Park in Manhattan, she knew careful planning was essential to solve the existing park's many, many problems.

"When the project began we had to work with the history museum, the Parks Department, seven different community groups and the architects—and we had to appease everyone," Burgess explained about the four-year-long process. "The planning and design process had to be done early and up front. It can't be an afterthought—you can't just slip it in."

Taking an existing city park and revamping its dog run meant addressing issues of erosion from its sloping site, unpleasant smell from years of mismanagement, bothersome noise (barking) for nearby residents and aesthetics to meld the area seamlessly into the larger park space.

Changing the location from a slope to a well-drained, flatter area of the park was an enormous step in the right direction. Susyn Stecchi, founder of DogParks USA and author of So You Want to Build a Dog Park: A Comprehensive Guide for Municipalities and Private Entities says that adequate drainage is essential to prevent the mud pits and bog-like areas that plague so many existing dog parks.

CONTINUED…

Likewise, having adequate space for dogs to not only run and play, but also to prevent the wear and tear on a natural surface, is important. "Our first park took a real beating on the turf at first," Knorr said. "We look for locations now that allow a bigger area. Our two newer parks are 3 to 4 acres total, and we are able to divide them into two sides to rest half of the property as needed. We've found it extremely important for maintenance."Other essential elements Stecchi recommends in all dog park designs are shade for both dogs and their owners, water, safe fencing and especially safe gate designs that will keep dogs from getting out as others come in. Providing doggie waste bags, scoopers and adequate seating are just some of the features that make these spaces more user-friendly and clean.Keeping their dog run clean and low-maintenance was certainly a high priority for the Theodore Roosevelt Park project. Although considered a large dog run by city standards at an estimated 1,500 square feet, it was not large enough to maintain turf. The solution was a carefully chosen gravel surface that would be gentle to paws but easily washed down each night with an automated irrigation and drainage system to keep the area clean and fresh. But whether it's providing a cleanable surface or providing sufficient space to maintain turf, making sure that there is a way to rid the space of dog waste via receptacles, baggies and scoopers is a must.And while dogs don't particularly care how their parks may look, owners and the community certainly do. Well-chosen plantings can soften the look of a fenced area around a park's perimeter, trees within the space offer much-needed shade and interest, and whimsical additions like a colorful fire hydrant add an affordable element of fun. In the case of the Theodore Roosevelt Park, an aesthetic touch also proved to be practical: Climbing ivy along an adjacent apartment building wall not only looks good but absorbs some of the sounds residents feared would be a problem.

While the designs are based on popular agility obstacles, the equipment has been developed for use by dogs of all abilities and confidence levels. Steel walking planks feature BarkPark’s proprietary CanineCoat™, a thermoplastic coating that has been specially developed to provide superior slip-resistant traction for dog’s paws. CanineCoat™ is a tough commercial coating that provides superior adhesion, UV protection, and resistance to vandalism and urine. Made in the USA.

Our beginner course includes four (4) exciting and fun components that can be used intuitively by most dogs. This equipment is a best bet for drawing new and returning visitors to the dog park!

http://www.dogparkproduct.com/products/canine_coat.html

Our moderate difficulty course offers six (6) activities to create an attractive dog play area in any park, public space, or pet care facility. During play dogs can begin to master skills such as climbing, balance, jumping, crawling, and more.

http://www.dogparkproduct.com/products/canine_coat.html

Our most advanced course offers nine (9) activities meeting the needs of dogs of various sizes and abilities. The agility-based play equipment takes the park to the next level and offers activities suitable for the family pet up to the seasoned athlete.

Let your best friend be Best in Show! We took our most popular activities and added our popular Pet Waste Station, Sit & Stay Bench and Tidy Up Trash Receptacle.

Good things come in small packages, which is why we created this agility course for small dogs. It features a newly designed hoop jump that is shorter to the ground and features smaller hoops that are just the right size for teacups and terriers. This course also features the Doggie Crawl, Weave Posts and Paws Table. Installation height of the Paws Table can be shortened to accommodate smaller dogs. Standard installed height is 12”.

The Small Dog Advanced Kit includes all the great features of the Small Dog Kit, plus the addition of more challenging pieces. Installation height of the Paws Table can be shortened to accommodate smaller dogs. Standard installed height is 12”.

Jump over Rover Dog WalkThe BarkPark™ Rover Jump Over is an adjustable jump bar challenge that allows for quick and easy height changes as the dog’s confidence and precision increases. The height can adjust simply by moving the bar to higher notches in the frame. Mounts in ground.

The Dog Walk is the largest BarkPark™ component and is made up of three non-slip planks supported by in ground-mounted posts. Dogs can walk or run up, across, and down the planks based on their individual level of balance and confidence.

For Information – Sales – Installation - Maintenance

Chris [email protected]

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Stepping Paws King of the HillStepping Paws require the dog to either step of jump from each platform as the pods increase and decrease in height while helping to develop balance and confidence. The pods can be arranged to provide a true test of agility or just a fun obstacle for dogs to play on.

The BarkPark™ King of the Hill A-frame provides a challenge for all dogs to walk or run up an incline and descend the other side at their own pace and confidence level. Endurance and balancing capacity are also developed.



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Paws Table / Grooming Table Doggie CrawlThe "Paws" Table provides a place for dogs to take a rest break while running the BarkPark™ course or to practice sit and stay commands. Basic grooming can also be accomplished while the dog takes a pause.

The BarkPark™ Doggie Crawl is a classic crawl tunnel that features many spyholes for increased interior brightness and superior supervision. The large diameter tunnel allows entry by most dogs and is made of heavy-duty rotomolded plastic. It can be surface mounted with ground spikes (included) or mounted in ground



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Hoop Jump Small Hoop JumpThe BarkPark™ Hoop Jump is a progressive jump trainer for dogs of all abilities. Featuring three rings of increasing heights.The BarkPark™ Small Hoop was designed with little legs in mind! The hoops are staggered in 3 different heights. Mounts In ground.



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Teeter Totter Weave PostsThe BarkPark™ Flexible Weave Posts include two sets of three posts. The posts are attached to a surface-mount plate that allows for easy alignment and in ground placement. Each post is powder coated and has a flexible rubber stopper located at the attachment point that provides great spring action for smooth pacing even at top speeds.

The BarkPark™ Teeter Totter offers the challenge of an obstacle that the dog must "control". Once mastered, the Teeter Totter can be a real confidence booster for dogs in terms of balance.



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615-669-3481

Complete your BarkPark and save big with the BarkPark Amenities Kit. You’ll receive a Pet Waste Station complete with two boxes of waste bags, Sit and Stay bench, Tidy Up Trash Receptacle* and a Leash Post. Each piece (except Leash Post) features paw print and bone details and is available in playful or natural color schemes.




615-669-3481




615-669-3481

Make your dog park a community destination.


commercial dog park amenities

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