Dog Park Question

[JackB]

Hi, We are looking at putting in a dog park in Ocean Pines, Md. I remember the one at the Villages being outside the Villages town limits near the shopping center. Someone on the Ocean Pines forum stated that the dog park in the Villages was a failure because after a period of time the novelty wore off and it now sees little use. Could someone please provide me with an objective view of what the situation is with the dog park at the Villages?

[wendyquat]

Don't know which dog park you are referring to but my husband takes our dog to the Paradise park every day. Loves it and has plenty of regulars!

[gmcneill]

Hi, We are looking at putting in a dog park in Ocean Pines, Md. I remember the one at the Villages being outside the Villages town limits near the shopping center. Someone on the Ocean Pines forum stated that the dog park in the Villages was a failure because after a period of time the novelty wore off and it now sees little use. Could someone please provide me with an objective view of what the situation is with the dog park at the Villages?

Good Evening:

For personal and professional reasons, I have only checked out 2 TV dog parks. I cannot speak to whether the novelty has worn off or not, nor to whether the TV dog parks are failures.

I can speak with some authority about interest and use of the numerous dog parks here in Broward County (Ft Lauderdale), FL: quite popular and well used year-round!

My personal reasons for visiting the TV dog parks were that I am a dog-owner and, next month, a TV home owner. I was scouting where to take my dog for her to play.

My professional reasons for visitng the TV dog parks were that I am the park designer and project director for a new dog park that the city for which I work will be building w/in the calendar year.

Pardon the plug: Our park is to be named DoggyWood Park, where every dog is a star!, in Margate, FL.

I visited the TV dog parks with the intent to obtain ideas and concepts based on an assumption that like everything else inside TV, the dog parks would be something very special.

Professionally speaking, they are not, and sadly, they are not even close. But that is another matter-one that I have chosen to not comment on in posts regarding that very subject and I will not do so in detail here so as to not hi-jack this thread.

My personal observation: the main reason that TV dog parks are popular and well-liked is the same reason that makes TV wonderful: it's the people you meet there! And of course, happy playful dogs! But the popularity of the parks does not stem from the park amenities.

Back on point: I infer that the prime intent of your post was to solicit comments re: long-term interest in and usage of a dog park so you could gauge feasiblity and likely success of your park.

If you are considering building a dog park, then you already know that the pet ownership industry is huge! Most dog-owners treat their pets as their furry children, often spoiling them in ways that the non-furry child could only wish for, almost. ;) Dog parks meet the needs and wants of millions of dog owners.

I am not all at familiar with your area of the country but if my area of the country is any indication, if you build it, they will come.....for years and years.

Good luck!

[Barefoot]

Hi, We are looking at putting in a dog park in Ocean Pines, Md. I remember the one at the Villages being outside the Villages town limits near the shopping center. Someone on the Ocean Pines forum stated that the dog park in the Villages was a failure because after a period of time the novelty wore off and it now sees little use. Could someone please provide me with an objective view of what the situation is with the dog park at the Villages?

There are THREE Village owned dog parks located in the east, north-west and south-west areas. I've heard complaints about them on TOTV, but I haven't visited any of them. They are free to residents and I think that a lot of people like them, particularly because they can golfcart there.

We personally love the huge privage dog park which is outside the town limits near Southern Trace Plaza. It is awesome and certainly NOT lacking in popularity! We pay $30 per month for two dogs and they pick up the poop! You cannot golf cart to the private dog park (called Doggie Doo Run Run) unless you have a street-legal cart.

[jebartle]

Has the beautiful trees that are so nice in the summer BUT NO grass....The lady lake dog park seems to have NO problem growing grass, they actually have sprinkler system that goes off automatically to encourage the growth of grass and wish the Villages would do the same....Also would love the park benches that individuals have purchased to be placed together, many times dog-loving friends like to visit....This park is provided by the Villages with watering stations and "poooo-bags", so difficult to complain but if they could enhance an already wonderful facilty, it would be so nice.

[JackB]

I did not realize how many dog parks you have the opportunity to visit around TV. You are very fortunate. If the one in Ocean Pines is built it will be the only dog park in the area. I would be interested in any suggestions to pass along as to what makes a successful dog park.

[Barefoot]

Has the beautiful trees that are so nice in the summer BUT NO grass....The lady lake dog park seems to have NO problem growing grass, they actually have sprinkler system that goes off automatically to encourage the growth of grass and wish the Villages would do the same....Also would love the park benches that individuals have purchased to be placed together, many times dog-loving friends like to visit....This park is provided by the Villages with watering stations and "poooo-bags", so difficult to complain but if they could enhance an already wonderful facilty, it would be so nice.

I know that everyone is sick of me talking about the private dog park, and I apologize in advance. But JackB asked for input on successful dog parks, so here I go again. :blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

At the private dog park, Doggie Doo Run Run, the owners of the establishment live on the property and monitor the daily visitors. I think the whole Dog Park is about ten acres. The owners are lovely people and know all the dogs by name. We are gone for six months during the summer months. When we return, the owners immediately ask us "How is Biggins doing. Anything new with Lolli Pop?" You must join and provide copies of rabies certificates. All dogs must be neutered. You must sign in when you enter. Dogs may not be leashed while inside the dog parks. No food is allowed within the dog parks. If an owner of a dog, or the dog, creates a problem, the owner is asked to remove the dog and not return.

It costs us $1.00 per day for two dogs, to be a member. There are small flags available when you enter. When your dog poops, you are to place a flag beside it. The staff clean up after the dogs on a continuous basis. So the park is always clean. There are double gates to enter and to leave. Plus each separate dog park also has double gates. Small dogs under 30 lbs have their own park, and larger dogs have a separate park. There is another huge area, about five acres, at the back of the dog park where people like to exercise themselves and their dogs, large and small.

There is a kiddie pool in the large dog area so big dogs can cool off. Thre is also water in the small dog area. And of course multiple water bowls throughout. In each area there are places to sit and chat if you're so inclined. There are some hanging swings in the back area where you can read or enjoy the dogs playing. After exiting the dog park, if your dog needs a bath, the owners have provided a large wash tub with a ramp so that the dogs have easy access. And of course, the owners provide lots of free parking.

Tal and Schotsky are also members and I see them at DDRR a lot. They may have some additional comments. Obviously I love to visit DDRR; and Biggins and Lolli Pop feel the same way!

[schotzyb]

I know that everyone is sick of me talking about the private dog park, and I apologize in advance. But JackB asked for input on successful dog parks, so here I go again. :blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

At the private dog park, Doggie Doo Run Run, the owners of the establishment live on the property and monitor the daily visitors. I think the whole Dog Park is about ten acres. The owners are lovely people and know all the dogs by name. We are gone for six months during the summer months. When we return, the owners immediately ask us "How is Biggins doing. Anything new with Lolli Pop?" You must join and provide copies of rabies certificates. All dogs must be neutered. You must sign in when you enter. Dogs may not be leashed while inside the dog parks. No food is allowed within the dog parks. If an owner of a dog, or the dog, creates a problem, the owner is asked to remove the dog and not return.

It costs us $1.00 per day for two dogs, to be a member. There are small flags available when you enter. When your dog poops, you are to place a flag beside it. The staff clean up after the dogs on a continuous basis. So the park is always clean. There are double gates to enter and to leave. Plus each separate dog park also has double gates. Small dogs under 30 lbs have their own park, and larger dogs have a separate park. There is another huge area, about five acres, at the back of the dog park where people like to exercise themselves and their dogs, large and small.

There is a kiddie pool in the large dog area so big dogs can cool off. Thre is also water in the small dog area. And of course multiple water bowls throughout. In each area there are places to sit and chat if you're so inclined. There are some hanging swings in the back area where you can read or enjoy the dogs playing. After exiting the dog park, if your dog needs a bath, the owners have provided a large wash tub with a ramp so that the dogs have easy access. And of course, the owners provide lots of free parking.

Tal and Schotsky are also members and I see them at DDRR a lot. They may have some additional comments. Obviously I love to visit DDRR; and Biggins and Lolli Pop feel the same way!

I agree with everything Barefoot has posted about Doggie Doo Run. We have been here in the Villages for over 3 years now and have used the dog park daily during this time. It really has everything you and your dog need in a dog park.