Proposal for a community dog park

Proposal for a

community dog park The Town of Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Department June 2011

Value of a community dog park

People and their dogs can play together in an un-leashed atmosphereIncreased exercise and socialization for dogs and their ownersSafe and accessible location for dogs to play and interactIncreased value and quality of life for the community Meeting the needs of dog owners currently 46.3 million dog owners in the U.S.

Potential risks & liabilities of a dog parkDog fightsDog bitesDog wasteNoise levelParking and traffic controlMaintenance

Addressing certain risksAssumption of Risk Dog park patrons will assume most of the risk since they will be informed of the fact that dogs will be off their leashLocal government immunities will protect the Town of Harrisburg since they are trying to do something beneficialUsage of waivers, permits and posted rules/ regulations will lessen certain liabilities The Dog Bite Law puts the liability on the dog the dog owner, not the dog park owner

Management actions to reduce risksAll participants of the dog park must purchase a permit ahead of time dogs must have vaccinations, be spayed/neutered and a liability waiver must be signedSignage will be placed at the entrance and throughout the dog park making patrons aware of the rules ex. No toys or treats allowed in the dog park; no more than 3 dogs per person; and owner must have leash available in case it is needed

Management actions cont. Staff will maintain the dog park to keep the grass short; will clean dog waste and empty trash cans regularly; will fill holes and have dog waste bags availableStaff will be on site during all operating hours of the dog park to check permits, monitor the dog park, write incident reports and report further problems to Animal Control

Management actions cont.Public meetings will be held to educate the public on how to be a responsible pet owner and to answer questions about the new dog parkA budget will be developed to cover all of the maintenance and operational costs associated with the dog park

Why Harrisburg should support the building of a dog park The Parks and Recreation Department feels a dog park would meet the needs and demands of current dog owners in HarrisburgIt would provide a specific location for dogs to run and play without bothering other patrons of the parkIt would allow dogs to socialize with other dogs while they and their owners got exercise, got to be outside and enjoy the park settingHarrisburg residents would not have to travel outside of Harrisburg to enjoy a dog park and this amenity would add to the overall quality of life in Harrisburg

Thank you!

Any questions or concerns can be directed towards the Harrisburg Parks and Recreation Department.