Dog-Centered Park Designs

Different Types of Dog Park Equipment

There are lots of different products on the market for dog parks. Most products fall into the categories of site amenities, sanitation equipment, or agility equipment. A well-balanced dog park will have some of each of these items.

Site Amenities

When people think of dog parks, they often think of open spaces with equipment for dogs and trash cans with dog poop bags, but may forget about the human aspect. Owners should always keep an eye on their dog and be ready to intervene. However, providing a spot to sit and garbage cans for things other than dog waste will help make an area more accessible to humans.

Seating (tables and benches)

Providing seating allows people the opportunity to stay out longer with their dog. Older patrons can keep an eye on their animal but also sit when they need to. Dog park benches and tables also provide guests with places to set down items that would otherwise prevent them from interacting with their animals.

Trash Disposal

Anyone that has been around babies or toddlers knows the smell when you lift the lid on a diaper pail. Doggie waste bins can have a similar aroma even when all of the waste is tied up individually. There will inevitably be other waste that is not dog in nature that will need to be thrown out. Providing a place that is free from dog stink is appreciated even by the biggest dog lovers.

Leash Posts

Leashes can be a hazard. When owners are in an off-leash zone, it is safest for everyone to be off leash. Otherwise, dogs might attack each other. By providing a leash post that is a clear place to put them, dogs and owners are given the message and everyone is much safer.

Sanitation Equipment

Cleanliness is important to a dog park. Without proper sanitation, attendees can become sick. Even if they don’t become sick, nobody wants to subject their dog (or themselves) to a dog poop filled area.

Waste Stations

Dogs create waste. It stinks and nobody wants to step in it. It also can be a disease risk for humans and other dogs. Providing waste stations at various points in the design increases the likelihood that people will pick up their animals’ messes. They are even more likely to do so if bags are provided for them.

Grooming and Bathing

Dog parks are outdoor spaces and, as such, are prone to mud. When dogs are playing, they might jump in puddles, roll around in the mud, or just get dirty from other animals playing with them. Adding a bathing tub and grooming area for easy clean up will make dog owners more likely to visit again.

Social Areas

When dogs get to a new area, they often have a need to mark it as their own. Providing a spot that helps dogs to meet one another is an important part of any dog park. Some of these items (like our Misting Fire Hydrant) can also double as cooling pieces of equipment.