Surfacing for Dog Parks

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One of the most important aspects of building or revitalizing a dog park is the surfacing. There are environmental factors to consider, maintenance, and often most importantly, the cost. Each option has its benefits and considerations, so we’ve created a handy comparison guide between our two most popular solutions below.

Engineered “Woof” Fiber

Key Benefits

Low initial cost - $2-4 per sq foot
All natural, chemical free and contains “good” bacteria for smell reduction
Installs over existing surfacing (grass, asphalt, etc) and follows the natural ground contours
ADA Accessible
Easily installed by volunteers or parks maintenance staff
Fibers interlock to create a flat, cushioned and splinter free surface

Key Considerations

Requires top offs every 2-3 years
Can wear away in heavy use areas such as entrances and fence lines
Can be costly if not ordered in bulk quantities of 30+ Cubic Yards
Can be contaminated by dirt or mud

Synthetic Turf for Dog Parks

Key Benefits

Long lifecycle to amortize your costs
Has a neat and clean appearance, plus antimicrobial backing to help prevent smells
Extremely durable – even in high use areas and it’s also “dig proof”
ADA Accessible
Most contaminants can be hosed off or blown away and it drains quickly
Looks like real grass without the maintenance

Key Considerations

Professional installation is recommended
Requires substantial base preparation
One of the more expensive solutions – installed pricing can average between $9-12 per sq foot
Repairs may require a professional

Other Dog Park Surfacing Options

There are other surfacing options such as decomposed granite, grass stabilizers, rubber mulch, wood chips and pea gravel. Like any product, these also have their pros and cons so be sure to do your research before deciding on what’s right for your dog park.

Have a question? Feel free to contact one of our dog park experts at: sales@dog-on-it-parks.com or toll-free at 877-348-3647!