Dog Park Project

Topics Research Overview Park Surface Types Trail Surface Types Fencing Park Amenities Typical Park Rules Common Challenges Grants Available

Research Info Contacted 15 Western Slope/High Country entities Total of 19 Off-Leash Areas All are city, county or recreation district owned Conducted independent research via NRPA (National Parks and Recreation Association) Forums

Surface Types and Fencing General Park Area Trails Fencing Turf Natural Grass Mulch Natural Surface Mulched Gravel Crusher fines None Hog wire w/cedar posts 5-6’ foot chain link

Dog Park Amenities Waste Bags/Bins Benches Picnic Tables Water Fountains- human and dog Double Gate Entry Shade Shelters Agility Courses Large and Small Dog Areas Natural Play features Restroom Facilities – portable and permanent

Common Park Rules No dogs in heat No food Clean up after your pet Keep gates closed No aggressive dogs Handlers must carry leash at all times Dogs must be licensed No excessive barking Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies Dog bites or injury should be reported to animal services Children must be supervised at all times No glass containers Park is not responsible for injury Dogs must be leashed outside of the fenced areas

Common Challenges Enforcement by animal control/community service officers People cleaning up after dogs Aggressive animals Licensing Drainage/Mud issues Closure when it gets muddy to reseed and aerate (Vail) Split park to only close half to allow recovery (Estes) Fence small sections off that are too damaged (Cañon City) Lack of access to running water Aggressive owners in shared park areas

Grant Opportunities Bark for Your Park by Petsafe® The Dog Park Fund by My Darling Theo Petco Foundation