Many apartment complexes now have dog park spaces on site, but what will make them stand out and attract new residents? Here are some dog park enrichments to include in your area.
Efficiency: Everyone who has owned a dog living in an apartment complex knows the pains of not being close to a space for dogs to do their business and sniff around without the leash. Therefore, ensure the dog park is in an efficient location of the building.
Keep it clean: The worst is to have a small space with a plethora of poop everywhere. If the budget allows it, hire a crew specializing in poop scoops. If you want to step it up a notch, invest in a dog poop robot like the Beetl, a Roomba-like robot that will roll through and pick up any dog poop. As the owner, you can program it with boundaries, and it will recharge automatically when it is low. Win, win!
Sustainability: If you are a dog owner, you’ve been in some dog parks with astroturf. It is okay if it is kept clean, but when it becomes neglected and too many dogs use it, it becomes pretty nasty and smelly. Instead of using that, opt for some natural grass. Artificial grass is lower maintenance, and no fertilizers are required, but natural grass provides clean air oxygen, filters pollution, and cools off the surrounding area, which is better for summertime. Dogs also love to run and roll around on natural grass instead of fake stuff.
Another thing to include for some fun for the dogs is to have a sandbox for them to dig in. Dogs love to dig, and digging in sand provides the best mental stimulation. In the summertime, you can put a couple of inflatable pools for some cool-down relief. Finally, provide a few trees so the dog park can be shaded.
Safety: Dog parks need to be safe. If you have enough room, consider having two spaces, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs under 20 pounds. That way, the smaller dogs do not feel intimated by the larger dogs. Install a double-gated entry to the dog park. A double-gated entryway is fundamental to reducing unplanned escapes. The gate system also creates a space for dog owners to prepare for either entry or exit in a safe enclosure. Include a bulletin board or other signage near the entryway to provide users with the know-how to properly use the park and communicate any important updates about the park conditions. Consider making an age limit for humans, too, since some dogs are not good with small children. The same goes for dogs since puppies shouldn’t go into dog parks until they are at least six months old. Of course, ResidentShield renter’s insurance will protect your residents should any accidents occur.
Remember that a dog park should be a place for dogs and humans alike. Therefore, a good dog park design should consider human needs alongside dog needs. Basic park design will work here, with benches to sit under the shade and places to interact socially. Woof, woof!
