Kamloops needs a downtown Dog Park
Being a dog owner, a good, centrally located dog park is a matter of high importance to me. A good dog park provides a safe and secure place to bring your dog to, where he/she can play safely, learn to get along and behave around other dogs, and have a smashing good time.
A good dog park doesn't just stop with dog-joy though - it's a great social opportunity for their owners as well! We already know, through many studies, that dog owners walk more often in their communities, weigh less, and live healthier lives. A good dog park allows a dog owner to add "better socialized" into the mix for themselves, as owners chat on the merits of their pets, and enjoy having a great time playing with and watching their furry friends. the BEST dog parks are just right around the corner, within walking distance, and close to the centre of liveliness, coffee shops and other fun things for owners (and dogs) to see and do. Play dates can be arranged, social "bumping" can occur. ("Oh hi, nice dog! Do you come here often?" etc.)
Google Street Maps is a really neat tool to look at dog parks close up. So far, I've only found one, but I'm sure there are plenty more.
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Why do I care?
My community, Kamloops, has two dog parks. One is located far up in a hillside suburban sprawl area. It is very difficult to walk to, and is in a low-density neighbourhood. It is also hidden from the road, so there is no certainty that there would be any dogs to play with should you choose to travel to that point. And if you do, there is nothing else around to enjoy. It is a single-purpose, single-destination dog park that is ill-used.
Our other dog park is far out on the edge of town, by the airport. It takes a god 20 minutes to drive to this spot, as again, it is not located alongside any bike trails or pedestrian routes, and is even cut off from the surrounding neighbourhood by train tracks and industrial yards. However, it is highly visible, and is jam-packed with dogs, and dog owners, at nearly all hours of the day.
What we are missing is a central dog park, located in the highest-density area, the downtown residential district. We need a dog park that is integrated with the existing public park amenities, that is alongside the pedestrian trail network, that is within walking distance of a coffee shop or ice cream parlour so you can have something to enjoy while playing with your friend. We need a dog park that promotes walking, and fits in with a healthy walking lifestyle, not one that requires you to drive.
My thoughts on design criteria for a dog park are therefore as follows:
- Must be located in a central, visible location near other activities
- Of sufficient size to allow some separation between dogs, and let them get up a bit of running speed
- Adjacent to a significant pedestrian/cycling trail system
- Fenced and secure facility with chambered entry gates
- Landscaped with grass or gravel (non-muddy surface)
- Entryways/high-use areas should be paved/bricked to prevent erosion
- Water fountains (human and dog sized) provided
- Park furniture - including benches, picnic tables, rocks etc.
These are thoughts on some criteria. Do you know of good dog parks in your cities that you're proud of, and support a walkable environment? Do you have criteria yourself that you can add?
Labels: dog parks, dogs, pedestrian, Urban Planning, walkable
