This is a quick overview on the process of starting a dog park.  I get questions about how one might get a dog park in there area on a weekly basis.

First, it takes a lot of work, time, and energy in most cases.  Typically, a dog park plan starts with a group of dog lovers that come together with the goal of getting a dog park.  You need others support for such a venture as there will be city meetings and fundraisers in most cases.

This group of dog lovers can band together and present a case to the city or county for the need of a dog park.  They can recommend several locations (away from houses.)  Also, this group can start the paperwork to become a 501c3 tax exempt non-profit group.  This way they will be able to take donations in the future for the dog park. 

In most cases after a good case is made, the city or county will provide some land for a dog park.  Then comes the issue of funding the creation of the dog park.  Fencing, drinking water, benches, trees, and turf are all pretty standard expenses.  Sometimes the city or county will have the budget for these things or half of the budget.  But in many instances it is solely up to the group of dog lovers to do fundraising.  The cost of a dog park will vary on the amount of work the dog lovers group is going to do in building fences and planting trees but we have seen dog parks cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars (typically they are more expensive in big cities where the city is paying for the entire park.)  Fundraisers like doggy swims at the end of the season in the community pool, walk-a-thons, or donation cans at local business can help get the word out and get others involved in the creation of the dog park.

Then there will be a plan for continued maintenance of the park.  This will include emptying trash, mowing the lawns, keeping the park stocked with doggy bags, paying the water bill, and registering dogs (if membership is required.)  Many times the park department will take up this responsibility but there are some cases where the 501c3 non-profit dog group is fully in charge of upkeep.

This can be a several year process to get a dog park.  Starting with the beginning approval of the city or county, the raising of the funds, and then the building of the dog park.  But it is well worth the effort when the dog park is finally open.

If you have been through the process of starting a dog park please write a few paragraphs of your experience.  I am sure it will help others.