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Thinking About Starting a Dog Park?

Dog parks are by far one of the leading features on the wish list of municipal and community parks. Dog parks can be wonderful additions to a community, whether as an inclusion to an existing community park or as a stand-alone, dog specific park. People who are thinking about building a dog park should be aware that there are many pitfalls to be encountered along the way.

Although important and necessary components, building a dog park is not just about the business plan or the architectural illustrations. It is not just about that perfect parcel of land you want to use, the type of fencing you will install or the unique sign you want to place at the entrance. Before you do anything, learn about your market, learn dogs and the people who own them.

To have a safe park, you must have rules and make sure they are adhered to – you must have a supervised park. While many who use dog parks may be experienced dog owners who realize they still have a lot to learn about dogs, a lot of people are first time dog owners who think they know everything. Dogs have to be interested in being social in the first place for them to have a positive experience at a dog park. Imagine mixing all dogs into an off-leash environment? You really never know what will happen, so it’s imperative to have supervision.

There are several models of dog parks. Municipal dog parks are usually free and open to the public 24/7. Although most have posted rules, there is no one to make sure people abide by those rules. These parks are the ones where most problems are encountered. Member based parks usually charge a fee and require people and their dogs to be registered. Many fee based parks require dogs to pass a temperament test before they are admitted to the park, and people are asked to attend an orientation session. It is not a good idea to mix small and large dogs together in an off-leash environment. Many dog parks have both a small dog area and a large dog area.

Here are a few things to consider that may help you choose the right spot for your future park:

  1. Size It Up:
    The size of your park may depend solely on the availability of land. But it is recommended at least 1 acre but they can be as big as your community can manage and maintain. If space isn’t an issue, consider an area large enough that it’s possible to rotate high traffic areas annually or even seasonally.
  2. Pack It In:
    Consider how your community will use the park. Remember that people need to enjoy the park too! It’s important to plan for seating and shade so everyone stays comfortable when they visit your park. Don’t stop there! Do you want to include room for agility equipment, a sand box, pond or fountain, climbing wall, walking trails or anything else you can think of that your community and its dogs would love? A community meeting can help determine what’s feasible and preferred by the future park patrons.
  3. Water, Water Everywhere:
    Consider a water source for humans and dogs as well as a dog rinsing station. On especially muddy days, being able to rinse your dog off to keep cars from getting the full dog park experience can make a nicer day for everyone.
  4. Plan For Clean Up:
    To help keep your dog park pleasant and as clean as possible, place waste stations and trash receptacles a decent distance apart (approximately 4 per acre depending on the layout). Ensure the park is easily accessible for landscaping crews so it’s simple to keep your park lush and neat.
  5. Show Your Spirit:
    Remember that designing your dog park extends to the spirit of the park. One key way to do this is to set the stage for responsible pet-ownership and behavior in the dog park by developing and posting park rules. Some sample rules may include:

    • Dogs must be properly vaccinated and it is recommended that they be spayed or neutered.
    • Puppies under 4 months of age and female dogs in heat are prohibited.
    • Do not bring dog foods into the dog park.
    • Owners must clean up after their dogs.
    • Dogs with a known history of aggressive behavior are prohibited.
    • Dogs must wear a collar with identification at all times.
    • Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the park.
    • Leaving dogs unattended is prohibited.
    • Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
    • Maximum of 3 dogs per person, per visit.
    • Watch for dogs on the other side of the entry gate when entering or leaving to prevent escapes.

Already have your dog park plans ready? How can we help?

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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What Type of Pool Furniture is Right for You?

High quality pool furniture can be a big investment, but it can also offer huge rewards. Comfortable, long-lasting furniture will greatly enhance the enjoyment of your outdoor space. But, with such a dizzying array of furnishings available in so many types, what best suits your needs? Lets take a look at some different options, their advantages and their disadvantages.

Wrought Iron:
Wrought iron is practically indestructible. Its heavyweight construction can make it ideal for areas with very strong winds. Most wrought iron will require cushions for comfort and is offered in a large variety of styles and sizes. All that weight can be a problem though if you are planning on moving your furniture often. With wrought iron, there is some possibility of rust but this is usually an easy fix. High quality wrought iron from American manufacturers employ modern techniques like galvanizing and powder coating that effectively prevent rust. However, if your furniture will be in standing water you’ll want to consider if wrought iron is truly a good choice for you.

Extruded Aluminum:
Lightweight, incredibly strong, never rusts. High grade aluminum is used to construct aircraft for just these reasons…the same reasons that make it ideal for pool furniture. Extruded aluminum is forced through a steel die to create lengths of material which can then be bent and welded into finished furniture. The result is a hollow material with reinforcement channels inside for strength. What’s the difference between a high quality chair from an established company like Tropitone and a cheaper chaise from a no-name company? A big part of it is the thickness of the outer walls and inner channels. A thicker extrusion will not crack when bent and shaped into furniture. These cracks are often tiny and not noticeable under the paint until the metal begins to break. High end manufacturers use extruded aluminum with much thicker outer walls and inner channels that can last a lifetime.

Cast Aluminum:
Cast aluminum uses molten aluminum poured into a casting of sand or steel to create furniture that is solid metal. Elaborate patterns and exquisite detail are some hallmarks of quality cast furniture. Much heavier than its extruded aluminum cousin, cast aluminum is ideal for areas with higher winds.

Outdoor Woods:
Nothing beats the warmth and natural beauty of wood. Even if you are using other types of furnishings, the addition of wooden benches or tables can add a touch of variety of surroundings. Some woods, like teak, can last for decades.

Recycled Plastic:
One of the newest categories of pool furniture is environmentally friendly recycled plastic. With solid, weight construction, vibrant colors, and almost no upkeep required, recycled furniture has become a popular choice for boat docks and oceanfront settings. Maintenance is as simple as a garden hose and pressure nozzle.

Sling Furniture:
Sling is the lazy furniture….wipe it down with mild, soapy water a couple of times a year and hose it off! Slings are a vinyl based material stretched across the frame of a chair or chaise lounge to create a seat and back. Slings can be cooler to sit in because the open-weave nature of the material . Even after a pouring rain, sling furniture can be dry and ready to use within a very short time. Slings normally will last about 6 to 8 years but established manufacturers will offer replacements that will make your chair or chaise look, and sit, like new. ParknPool also offers a wide selection of replacement fabrics that can give your old furniture a completely different look. Good sling furniture can give you many years of comfort with almost no upkeep.

Cushioned Furniture:
Nothing matches the comfort of good cushion furniture. Modern, high-end cushions can offer a level of comfort that will make you feel like the king or queen of your area! High grade, fast drying foams and miracle fabrics like Sunbrella assure you that your cushions can be left outdoors in any weather. These fabrics, also used in boating and commercial applications, are water resistant, stain resistant, and easy to clean. As with slings, they can be replaced by choosing from a huge variety of fabrics.

As you can see, there are more choices than ever to complement your outdoor space or pool area. With a little planning and knowledge you can make a purchase that will give you years of satisfaction. To learn about your pool furniture options, call ParknPool at 877.777.3700 and let one of our account managers help you figure out what type of pool furniture is right for you!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Promote Community Care

Ensuring your community stays clean and beautiful is easier than you think. Keeping trash out of parks and off roads is just the beginning. Graffiti, cigarette litter and overflowing landfills are also menacing problems.

There are simple steps you and your community can take to clean and maintain the beauty of your community, park, school or apartment complex.

If your community has fallen into a trash mess, organize a group of volunteers and have a community clean-up event. Make a day of it to promote community care! Find local sponsors and educational partners.

There are numerous organizations that your community can pair with to help clean-up a neighborhood or park. Keep America Beautiful is a networking organization that has over 1,200 local affiliates in communities across America. KAB.org “believes that each of us hold an obligation to preserve and protect our environment…through our everyday choices and actions.” They bring business, citizens and governments together to find solutions to reducing waste and litter as well as beautifying communities.

Helpful Tips for Organizing a Clean-Up:

  • Partner with local partners or a national organization.
  • Spread the word with local media – email campaigns, social media, radio, print advertisements, etc.
  • Make the event fun – have games, provide snacks and giveaways.

A great way to prevent your community from being trashed is to provide the appropriate trash receptacles in and around buildings, parks, apartment homes and pedestrian streets. This will prevent unwanted litter and debris from being scattered around. The closer together receptacles are to each other, the higher the chance of people throwing away their garbage.

1,609lbs of trash is produced by EACH American EVERY year!

Providing dog owners with pet waste disposal stations dramatically decreases the amount of unwanted feces in communities. Pet stations scattered throughout communities and parks places the responsibility on pet owners to clean up after their pets.

About 4,000 tons of pet waste is produced EACH DAY!

There are a few preventative measures you can take if graffiti is a menacing issue of your neighborhood, apartment community or park area. Unless you have a security system in place, it is hard to catch the culprit in the act. Choosing furniture from which spray paint can be easily removed – such as recycled plastic, plastisol or thermoplastic coated – is one of the best measures to take. it won’t stop the taggers from attacking, however it will save money on replacement furniture.

Minimizing the carbon footprint left behind goes far beyond recycling. Reducing unnecessary waste, recycling, energy conservation, and carpooling are effective ways to minimize what is left behind. Here are a few things that reduce the carbon footprint:

  • Ditch bottle water: Encourage citizens to fill reusable water bottles from water stations or fountains.
  • Promote recycled: Set up curbside pick-up recycling cartons for your community and place recycling bins around parks, housing communities, schools and other public areas.
  • Unplug it: Promote citizens to unplug appliances, cell phones and laptop chargers or any other electronic item when not in use.
  • Carpool or use bikes: Placing bike racks in and around communities increases bike use. Create a message board where community members can post ride share information.

The national recycling rate is only 34% annually. Recycling reduces what ends up in landfills, reduces water pollution, creates jobs in communities, saves trees and protects wildlife habitats. Simple steps can be taken to promote recycling within a community that will have a lasting effect on everyone. Whenever possibly, buy products manufactured with recycled materials. Even picnic tables, park benches, recycling receptacles and message centers can be manufactured from recycled materials. It takes 3,400 milk jugs to make a 6′ park bench and 6,300 milk jugs to make a 6′ picnic table.

The greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling is equivalent to taking 36 million cars off the road each year!

Recycling one aluminum can saves enough electricity to run a TV for 3 hours!

Recycling one glass bottle or jar saves enough electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for 4 hours!

Americans use 20,000,000 aluminum cans EVERY DAY!

Planting flowers and trees do a lot more than just make a space beautiful and full of vibrant colors. Having plants regulates air quality, protects water quality, reduces erosion, lightens people’s mood and provides natural habitats air quality, protects water quality, reduces erosion, lightens people’s mood and provides natural habitats for local wildlife. Gardens have been proven to relieve stress and generally make people feel better.

In a study done by Kathleen Wolf at the University of Washington’s College of Forest Resources, areas with a well maintained street scape or garden attract more visitors because it gives the space a sense of purpose. Consumers spent 9-12% more in landscaped areas versus areas with no landscaping.

Integrating difference size planters around your space is a great way to bring color and natural beauty to your area. Bring the outdoors inside and plant oversize plants indoors!

Buying recycled plastic benches, picnic tables, receptacles and other environmentally friendly products has never been easier! Simply visit our website www.parknpool.com or, if you prefer, give us a call at 877.777.3700 and talk to one our account managers. We take pride in being able to offer so many great products that can make a difference to our planet’s well-being. If you are interested in seeing more of what we have to offer, give us a call or visit us online today!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Consumer Grade Vs. Commercial Grade

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” ~Proverbs 10:4

Commercial Grade furniture is a must for any hotel, resort, restaurant, campground, athletic facility or other indoor/outdoor setting. Not only is commercial grade furniture suitable for heavy-duty use, it is manufactured to accommodate heavier traffic and to meet the specific needs of all different types of industries.

What benefits should you look for in Commercial Grade furniture?

  • Comes with a warranty
  • Can be easily stacked for storage
  • Rugged construction for longer use
  • Can be customized to fit your personal demands
  • Other benefits include the easy of maintenance, the availability of parts in case of damage and the large variety of matching accessories such as umbrellas and cushions.

Comfortable, attractive Commercial Grade furniture is becoming more and more crucial to the success of a business. The design of these furnishings can increase the satisfaction of guests, decrease injuries because of its durability, and give your business a more professional, modern appearance to incoming visitors.

A poor design or substandard furniture can have serious negative effects on the bottom line of a growing business’s profits over time. Taking the time to call us to purchase your quality Commercial Grade furnishings will pay off in the longevity and health of your business.

What Commercial Grade materials will work best for you?

  • Acrylic/Sling
  • Aluminum
  • Concrete
  • Resin
  • Other Commercial Grade materials to keep in mind when deciding what would work best for your area are fiberglass, recycled plastic, steel, vinyl and wood

A distinction must be made between Commercial Grade and Consumer Grade! The difference lies in the durability of how Commercial Grade furniture is built. The resulting products are sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use and still accommodate the specific needs of your business., facility or recreational area. Commercial Grade furniture is made to be rearranged and moved as the needs of your business change over time. Even though Commercial Grade is often more expensive than Consumer Grade, it is economically wise to invest your profits into furniture that will last longer than a single season.

Commercial Grade products are built to be simultaneously professional in appearance and sturdy in composition. Placing commercially manufactured furniture at your place of entertainment will create a fresh, modern and comfortable feel that will remain in the memories of visitors long after they have left. Word-of-mouth is the fastest way for good news to travel – can you say referrals?!?! Furniture that is stylish and meets the demands of daily use is invaluable to the sustainability of any given business, whatever that business may be. Not only do Commercial Grade furnishings address safety, comfort and durability, it is often delivered within a short time frame. Better yet, depending on the item…we will install it for you!

In short, whatever you are looking for you can always be sure to find the benefits in purchasing Commercial Grade furniture over Consumer Grade. Still don’t see the difference?!?! Just give us a call…we’ll explain it! The most important thing to keep in mind…strong sturdy Commercial Grade furniture will continue to save you money through the years! With such a wealth of options, being productive, safe and stylish is within the reach of even the smallest recreational area!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Helpful Restaurants Statistics

The main goal of managing a restaurant’s revenue is to handle the facility’s capacity and customer demand in a way that maximizes profits/revenue for the restaurant.

> A restaurant MUST have comfortable and adequate seating to ensure a positive experience for all clients

> Studies have shown that customers will spend more time in the restaurant when seated at a booth, as compared to being seated at a table.

> Customers who sit at booths that are away from a window will spend even more time. Studies show the more natural light, the less time people will spend eating.

> People who sit at a booth will spend an average of $56.67. People who sit at free-standing tables will spend on average only $38.92. A difference of $17.75.

> Contrary to popular belief, only 26.16% of independent restaurants fail during the first year of operation (belief is that this statistic is much higher).

> Fast food spending has increased 22%.

> Overall restaurant spending has increased 19%.

> Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC grew sales by 13%.

Customers who carry credit card have visited restaurants more frequently in the past two years than they have since the recession began.

Bottom line…studies show that seating style and placement have a huge impact on customers deciding where they will eat…and how much money they will spend!

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Tips for Staying Cool on a Hot Night of Sports

Summertime is almost here and with it comes outdoor sports, hot temperatures, heat, humidity, and sweat. Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remembering basic tips can help you prevent heat-related illness during hot weather.

The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long:

  1. Wear loose clothing, preferably, of a light color.
  2. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetic material.
  3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
  4. Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air conditioned house.
  5. Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
  6. Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you’re ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you’ll have a supply of cold water with you.
  7. Take frequent baths or showers with cool water.
  8. Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
  9. Some people swear by small, portable, batter-powered fans.
  10. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
  11. Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.
  12. Use common sense, if the heat is intolerable stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces.

While the players will be getting breaks in between plays, it is just as important for the fans to take one themselves. The blazing sun has been beating down on the bleachers all day. Don’t let the heat dim your Friday Night Lights!

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Grillin’, Chillin’ and Storytellin’ on a Campground

Ah…the inviting smell of hot, burning coals, the smoky taste of barbecue chicken and the gooey delight of campfire S’mores for dessert. All you need now is the perfect grill and fire ring to make this outdoor meal possible.

People have been using fire to cook their food for as long as we have been on earth. At first, it was common to cook on wood fires because wood was a much more plentiful resource, but by 4000 BC civilization began cooking on charcoal fires instead of simply using wood. Both cooking sources are still used today for campers, cookouts and barbecues.

Our charcoal burning pedestal group grills provide more cooking surface so everyone in your party can eat at the same time. No need to cook 4 chicken breasts at a time while your guests line-up for dinner. You can cook the whole family-size pack at one time!

No more caveman days, fire rings are a perfect solution to replace a ring of rocks. Have your guests gather around to tell ghost stories while roasting those S’mores. Oh yeah, and there is a warranty on our fire rings that covers the unit, not the fire!

The telling of ghost stories around the fire at a campground has been a tradition for many years. ParknPool knows that coming up with a scary story on the spot can be difficult so we have taken the liberty of providing one for the next time you are gathered around a fire ring with your family and friends.

Located on a hill overlooking the town below stood the brand new headquarters of ParknPool Corp. The whole staff was so excited to move into their new environmentally friendly building but within days of settling in, they began to hear strange noises and witness mysterious events. Upon entering for the first full day of operation, the staff found the entire office in disarray. Wall hangings, that just days before, were hung perfectly straight now hung crooked and out of place. All of their catalogs were all laid out with the pages flipping themselves and the phone began ringing off the hook but when answered were greeted by nothing but silence.

Weeks after that initial first day of operation the clocks were no longer working, all of them stuck at exactly 5:00pm giving the impression that the end of the day had arrived. Someone wanted them out of that building! After much research it was determined, that unbeknownst to the builders, staff and surveyors, the new headquarters of ParknPool Corp had been built above the unmarked graves of past criminals. Unspeakable crimes were committed by the hands of those buried beneath the new building – crimes so horrendous that there is absolutely no record of the haunting criminals’ existence.

And with no way to extinguish their haunting after-life presence, the end of this madness has yet to be seen…

S’mores are popular around campfires because simple ingredients make a perfect balance of flavors. The marshmallow is sticky and sweet, the chocolate is smooth, and the graham cracker is crisp and crumbly, acting almost like a pie crust helping to contain the filling. Making your own is simple, just don’t forget your recipe card!

Browse our site for pedestal grills and fire rings to invite the smell of hot, burning coals, the smoky taste of barbecue chicken and the gooey delight of campfire S’mores at your barbecue, campsite or cookout!

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Managing Your HOA’s Swimming Pool

During the summer, no other amenity is enjoyed more than a residential community’s swimming pool.

Though a swimming pool can add to the value of the residence and attract new buyers, managing and maintaining it is a major investment of time, energy and money. In order for an HOA’s swimming pool to be safe, successful and enjoyable, its management staff must address many issues. Proper management is the key to retaining a pool’s value. Community managers play a key role in the day-to-day management and operation of the swimming pool. Their responsibilities range from obtaining the proper permits and licenses to training the staff on the pool’s rules and regulations.

It is vital for a community to set clear rules and regulations to follow when using the swimming pool. By setting a comprehensive set of rules and communicating the rules to all the residents, the community ensures the safety of its residents and reduces its liability. The procedure for laying down rules and regulations governing swimming pools varies somewhat by community. In some instances, the HOA will meet and set the rules and regulations collectively. Other associations may adopt rules and guidelines from other community or municipal pools.

It is crucial a pool be well maintained to prevent accidents from occurring. Proper maintenance also protects the pool from damage and prevents it from damaging the surrounding property. This is where professional pool management companies come in. Professional pool management companies specialize in managing swimming pools and health club facilities for co-ops, condos and other residential communities – some even provide lifeguard and maintenance staffing. The majority of communities with pools use these companies, in part because of the reservoir of employees they provide, and also to reduce the burden on their managing agent.

HOAs need to assess their risk and confer with their insurer to make sure the pool their residents enjoy so much isn’t setting them up for catastrophic loss. What about extra coverage for peace of mind? How much a pool actually impacts an association’s bottom line depends on the pool and how it’s rated. It definitely has impact, but it’s not necessarily a driving factor in your premium unless you have a large loss or extensive claims history. Hint: Adding a few commercial umbrellas or a shade structure will help give you an extra limit of liability.

Swimming pools involve plumbing, heaters, pumps and pool furniture that may occasionally need repair. Many pool management companies do not handle extensive repairs themselves, but are responsible for contracting an outside company to do the work. Mechanical problems usually require immediate attention and can be quite costly – running anywhere from $500 to $30,000. In addition to the technical repairs and upkeep, there are other costs involved in maintaining a community pool. When comparing the costs of maintaining and operating a pool against the benefits, many HOAs find that having a pool is worth the expense. For prospective residents, amenities such as a pool are very important. A well-designed and thoughtfully located pool enhances the aesthetics of the overall property. It is a great tool when it comes to marketing your property, as well.

Properly equipping the pool deck is essential to enjoyment and safety. To avoid liability, always furnish the pool are with commercial pool furniture. While residential grade chaise lounges, poolside chairs and tables, and umbrellas have an enticing price, they are not made for public use. If a resident gets injured on a piece of residential furniture, the management is on their own when it comes to lawsuits. Conversely, commercial pool furniture is engineered and built to hold up to constant use daily. If a piece of furniture was to break, you have the manufacturer’s product liability insurance to protect you. In respect to providing an enjoyable pool deck, these are the furniture pieces that you would need:

  • Chaise Lounges
  • Poolside Dining Chairs
  • Poolside Dining Tables & Side Tables
  • Commercial Patio Umbrellas
  • Umbrella Bases
  • Trash Receptacles
  • Lifeguard Chairs

While swimming pools may make for happy residents, they are often a challenge to manage and maintain but by forming a close working relationship with a pool management company and by taking proactive measures to make sure the pool is safe and healthy, the stressful elements of managing a swimming pool can be minimized.

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Dog Parks are on the Rise

With dog parks on the rise, park and recreation departments now have a variety of equipment, pet waste solutions and other products at their fingertips.

According to a recent study from the Humane Society, at least one dog can be found in approximately 39% of American households. As a result of this, American’s largest cities have seen a comparable 34% increase in the number of dog parks within the last 10 years.

The Basics:

Though not always possible, successful dog parks are often launched in spaces that are not currently being used. To determine the right location, look for areas that:

  • Currently see high dog usage
  • Are outside the parameters of main parks
  • Will not affect wildlife or water quality
  • Are evenly distributed throughout the city
  • Are close to parking
  • Are away from existing playgrounds, residential areas and heavy traffic
  • Are dry and irrigated
  • Are at least 5,000 square feet

*It can also be helpful to place your dog park along a trail system to give dog owners greater opportunity to walk their four-legged companions.

While grass is currently the most common surfacing option for larger dog parks, bark chips (pun intended), san, gravel, granite or synthetic turf can also be used. Budget, climate, park size, usage and the surrounding park amenities should be considered when determined what surfacing should be used. Splitting a dog park in half, eliminating which side is open, can help preserve the surfacing material of larger dog parks while letting a smaller dog park go to dirt may be a better option. 

Fencing First:

Depending on the dog-breed demographics and the needs of the pet owners in your area, fencing is typically pretty standard in smaller off-leash areas while larger ones are often left without a fence. To create a smoother dog park operation, park and recreation departments are becoming a little more strategic in their fence placement while many parks are simply using a typical setup. This setup includes two sets of gates at the entry areas to allow pet owners to close the outside gate and unleash their dog before opening the inner gate and heading into the main area. Others, however, use a separate entry and exit area. If your potential dog park area contains a pond or other water feature, it is a good idea to place an additional fence around the body of water to prevent dogs from taking an unnecessary bath.

Park Features:

Today’s dog parks can range from basic parcels of land to elaborate pet playgrounds with ponds, spray features, agility equipment and other park amenities. The basics are now becoming standard especially when it comes to staying cool and refreshed. Though a little less important in more moderate climates, whether it’s a shade structure or trees, providing shade from the heat is especially important for both pets and their owners.

Ranging from a simple pet water fountain to a more elaborate spraying fire hydrant, water is a welcome amenity for all dogs. Since dogs often use anything upright as a marking post, water fountain placement is important. It may be in everyone’s best interest to place the water features in areas where owners still have control over their pets via a leash.

Though the equipment in public spaces should not be of a professional grade, more recent dog parks also feature play amenities such as agility equipment. This adds a little extra fun and gives people the opportunity to do more than simply sit on a park bench. When selecting your agility equipment:

  • Look for equipment covered by a comprehensive warranty
  • choose various pieces that will challenge and accommodate dogs of varying sizes and ability levels
  • Use rust/rot proof materials
  • Select equipment with slip-resistant surfaces
  • Avoid equipment that is more than 3 feet high to prevent dog and child injuries

Whether your dog park is a basic plot of dirt or completely packed with high end amenities, it should be a place that your community pet owners appreciate. The knowledge and products now available give park and recreation departments the ability to create a dog park that fits their specific location, needs and budget. To find out more call 877.777.700.

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700

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Tips for Buying “Green” With Your Government Credit Card

With your government credit card in hand, you have the opportunity to help the environment while buying products that meet your facility’s needs.

Federal agencies are being encouraged to buy products that are made with recycled content, have less packaging, are energy efficient, don’t create hazardous waste, and incorporate other environmentally preferred characteristics.

Buying Products with Recycled Content:

Recycled content products contain “recovered materials” or “post-consumer materials” or both. “Recovered materials” means materials that have been removed or diverted from solid waste – in other words, trash – including solid waste created by manufacturers. “Post-consumer materials” are materials that we discard at home and at work that are separated or diverted for recycling instead of going to a landfill. Whatever your job, you will most likely be asked to purchase products from recycled materials. Employees in facilities and maintenance may be asked to purchase park benches and picnic tables. Both of these products can be made with recycled content.

Buying Products with Reduced Packaging:

Packaging is a significant solid waste problem. Approximately 23.7% of the volume and 19.4% of the weight in materials found in city landfills is attributed to just packaging alone. The amount of trash we generate can be reduced simply by buying products with reduced packaging. Consider buying a larger quantity in a single box rather than smaller quantities in multiple boxes.

There will be many situations where you will need to buy products containing hazardous materials but by avoiding them when possible, we can work together to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste in landfills and support the manufacturing of products using recycled materials.

Give us a call at 877.777.3700 for a list of ParknPool’s products that contain recycled content.

ParknPool | Lexington, VA | sales@parknpool.com | 877.777.3700