Photo Credit: Tony Forshage
Dog parks are among the fastest-growing recreational amenities in city parks across the country. According to the Trust for Public Land, off-leash dog areas in urban parks have increased by 40 percent over the past decade.* The city of San Antonio’s Parks & Recreation Department in Texas has contributed to this national trend by building a dozen dog parks in the past 10 or so years.
In an attempt to impart some knowledge related to park design and construction, two case studies stand in stark contrast: Madison Square Park is in the downtown area bordered by a hospital, commercial offices, a church, and multi-family residences, while Phil Hardberger Park is a sprawling natural area in the northwest suburbs. While both studies offer advice on successful navigation in constructing a dog park, they also serve as a reminder that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions when it comes to pooch parks.
Select A Site
Dog-park design begins with site selection. This process involves not only identifying areas of geographic need, but also conducting studies of land suitability. Wildlife, habitat, and water quality should be protected. Hardberger Park is surrounded by dense suburban development. The environmentally sensitive site was subjected to rigorous ecological analysis—with a goal of preserving at least 75 percent of the land in a restored or undeveloped condition.