Dog Park Design Ideas

Designing a dog park involves creating a safe and engaging space with agility obstacles for physical activity, durable and pet-friendly materials for easy maintenance, ample shade and watering features, seating for comfort, and often separate areas for small and large dogs to ensure a harmonious environment. Incorporating elements like grooming stations and picnic equipment can also enhance the park's appeal to its users.

Dog Park Design Resources

• “Tips for Building Successful Dog Parks in Your Community” (PDF Brochure):
  Addresses the most common issues when building a dog park to help ensure that your off-leash park avoids some of the possible design mistakes. From the largest considerations to details you may not have thought of — including benefits to the community, location, space, legalities, and accessibility issues; to choosing the best dog agility equipment and dog park supplies; to water fountains, sanitation, surfacing, shade, signage, and more — it’s all encapsulated here.  
• Surfacing Considerations: Turf, Turf Pods or Woof Fiber? Decisions, decisions - hopefully our handy comparison can help point you in the right direction. 
• How to Choose Dog Park Agility Equipment (PDF): What to look for (think safe, customizable and rust-proof!) and what to avoid. 
• Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community: The American Kennel Club answers the question, “What is a dog park and how does it benefit the community?” You can download it from the AKC website as a 20-page booklet with photos.

Dog Park Design Ideas and Inspiration

• Z Bonz Dog Park - Fort Worth, Texas
• Jasper's Dog Park - Kirkland, Washington
• Storey Bark Park - Meridian, Idaho
• Colonial Grand Apartments - Lake Mary, Florida
• Hartford 21 Bark Lounge - Hartford, Connecticut

Other Links For Dog Park Users

• Getting the Most From Your Dog Park:  Comprehensive article in Recreation Management covers the "How To's" and much more. 
• Pets Welcome and Go Pet Friendly: Planning to travel with your dog? These websites provide travel tips, and list pet-friendly hotels across the USA and Canada.
• Dog-ON-It-Parks Blog: A wide range of articles with tons of helpful insights for dog owners.