In Dog Park Design, Development, and Operation you ll learn how to make your dog park a reality from concept to opening celebration and beyond. Find step by step guidance plus information on location considerations, community benefits, maintenance concerns, design options, amenities, suggested rules and even program opportunities. More than 90 photos from dog parks across the United States illustrate the various equipment, features, and programming that make dog parks an asset in any community. Author Marilynn R. Glasser, an experienced dog park consultant, shares her insight into some of the challenges and resistance you might encounter in developing a dog park and their possible solutions. Her often humorous experiences illustrate the importance of following best practices when developing your community dog park. As a source of proven processes, Dog Park Design, Development, and Operation offers guidance on creating a facility as well as information on management, maintenance, marketing, and evaluation With photos and insightful stories of the author s experiences, Dog Park Design, Development, and Operation can help you create a professional quality community facility filled with smiling faces and wagging tails. Chapter 1. Why Build a Dog Park? Our dogs are so important to us. Dog parks provide a unique opportunity for a community s many dog owners to recreate in a safe, enjoyable outdoor environment with their friends both canine and human! Chapter 2. Making the Case No matter how excited you are about a dog park, you can be sure that some people will not share the enthusiasm. With patience and positive education, you can address concerns and highlight the advantages of the planned park Chapter 3. Planning Let s get the dog park started! You ll need to garner support, select a site and much more. Chapter 4. Components How does a space become a dog park? Find out which components you need to build your dog park right! Chapter 5. Landscaping and Maintenance Little effort is needed to keep the dog park in good shape. Find out how to maximize your park s aesthetics and appeal, making it attractively user friendly for all! Chapter 6. Dog Park Rules and Etiquette Your dog park will bring together all kinds of people and dogs in one place! Learn how to establish rules and guidelines that will bring out the best behavior in everyone. Chapter 7. The Grand Opening A grand dog park deserves a grand opening! Find out how to celebrate your new park s introduction in style. Chapter 8. Evaluation: Concerns, Problems, and Solutions for Success The new dog park is up and running! How s it going? Ongoing evaluation is an important part of ensuring the dog park remains valuable to the community. Chapter 9. Marketing and Programming Don t let your dog park be your community s best-kept secret! Find out how to keep interest alive and growing