The Importance of Dog Park Maintenance

With the growing popularity of dog parks, maintenance is an ongoing responsibility affecting all dog parks. Without regular upkeep, theses parks can quickly become dangerous and can cause harm to our canine friends. Here is why dog park maintenance is very important to our community!

Sanitation

Ideally all dog owners should be picking up their dog’s waste. It is important to plan for regular inspections and to pick up waste that has been left behind. Using pet friendly cleaners and deodorizers needed on turf and fencing help keep the toxicity levels down. Resupplying of dog waste bags, emptying dog waste stations, and cleaning out trash bins helps reduce breeding grounds for bacteria and parasites which can affect the health of your pets.

Landscaping

Over time wear and tear can lead to dangerous conditions. Regular inspections can identify and address issues like dead grass, holes in the ground, or sharp objects that could injure dogs or their owners. Ensuring that plants inside the dog park perimeter are non-poisonous to people or pets. Inspecting plants within the dog park for damage caused by urine and chewing, and consider replacing plants that are not as susceptible to dogs damaging them. To reduce maintenance costs, some parks even chose to use artificial turf or regular grass.

Equipment Maintenance

Inspection and testing of all equipment ensure that play structures remain safe and functional. This provides the dogs and owners with engaging activities that promote physical health, fitness, and mental stimulation for your pet. Checking equipment hardware like bolts, hinges, and equipment cracking can safe guard dogs from unnecessary injuries. Removing debris, checking shade structures and testing all amenities ensure a well-maintained park for all to enjoy.

Utilities

In areas where winter occurs; making sure water sources like fountains, wash stations, and splash pads are turned off so not to negatively affect park operations when the weather changes back to warmer conditions. Ensuring that lighting is working, it is properly secured, and no wires are exposed to the dogs and the elements. If electrically operated gates are used, ensure they are working properly and if they fail to make sure there is a manual override until it can be fixed.

Dog parks are wonderful places for all communities, providing a safe and enjoyable space for dogs and their owners to socialize and exercise. However, these spaces are only enjoyable as long as there is regular upkeep to ensure the park remains clean, safe, and a positive space!