Designing Dog Parks without Fences

More and more people are hoping that the next park will include an area designated for their dogs so they can run around unleashed.  If properly designed, they take up an area of 2-3 acres so that there are lower concentrations of ammonia and the turf can survive.  Often, designers will fence in these parks and some include separate areas for larger dogs and smaller dogs.  Still other designs include a fenced off area that is allowed to rest while the dogs enjoy the other parts of the dog park.  Recently, our client, Ron Woodhead, suggested that the fenced areas not lead to corners where dogs or people could be trapped.  So we are rounding the fence line to avoid those corners in future dog parks.

Some communities have taken another approach to dog parks.  They have taken a natural area with trails and have permitted dogs to be off leash in the park.  Depending on the features of the natural terrain, these can be very beautiful places to get exercise for both you and the dog.  Fox Chapel Borough has a dog park that does not have any fencing, called Riding Meadow Park.  It is very popular and draws people from around the region.  People can walk their dogs along a stream or hike through a riparian landscape as the work their way up the valley toward Beechwood Farms.

The challenge, as we have learned recently, is that a park that accommodates dogs is also used for other park-like activities, like jogging.  We have also learned that not all dog owners have total control of their dog.  Unfortunately, there can be conflicts with non-dog owners and an unrestrained dog.  From a risk management perspective, how do these two groups coexist peacefully without sacrificing the benefits of a beautiful off leash area for dogs?  Fox Chapel Borough is working with their risk management consultant to see if they can accommodate both groups and provide a wonderful park for everyone that is safe.

Jim Pashek is chair of the Fox Chapel Borough Park Commission and looks forward to sharing more “lessons learned” regarding off leash areas in parks as time goes by.