Atlas Dog Park - First Impressions (and a Question)
 

Just got back from our first trip to the new Atlas Dog Park. Very nice. Pretty environment. Nearby boardwalk adds to the beauty and recreational feel of the site. That being said, I (and almost every dog owner I talked to today) was disappointed in one respect. Before I mention it, I want to stress that the park is very nice...clean, includes all the necessary facilities, very pretty. So please don't interpret this as a really harsh criticism. I will return to the park and enjoy it. The issue is...

...no shade. Not a tree or any other source of shade to be found in the fenced doggie areas. There are lots of trees in adjacent areas. But none within the dog runs.

I thought maybe the restrictions related to the power line easements might be the issue. They can sometimes be very limiting. But there are trees...palms, large spreading oaks, etc....within what looks to be the easement boundaries just adjacent to the dog runs. And I know grass can be a little more difficult to maintain under trees, but that shouldn't be a shade-stopper either.

So I started this thread to post some first impressions of the dog park...mine are largely positive. Second reason is to see if anybody has any better explanation than I do why there is no shade or trees provided.

You have the best chance of getting the correct answer by calling Recreation.

Recreation Administration
984 Old Mill Run
The Villages, FL 32162

Phone: 352-674-1800
Fax: 352-674-1805

It would be nice if there was an opportunity for the installation of some Lean-To type of structure with a bench to help allow for shade. Each section could easy support 3 such structures.

http://shade-n-net.com/wp-content/up...de-850x422.jpg

I think (hope) more improvements may come along. I know that the citizens raised funds for some of it. Seating, for one thing. Perhaps trees will be added as more citizen fundraising is done, or perhaps The Villages will provide more amenities. My large hairy dog needs shade to retire to after running in the FL heat. We will have to stick with DDRR for that reason, even though Atlas is so much closer.

But thank you to the RDOG group for working with the Rec Dept to make this happen. I'm hopeful the shade issue can be worked out.

Agree 100%.

I'm glad folks with dogs have a new dog park as it was needed...one reason for lack of trees(just like on the golf courses with even more use)is that they require maintenance...lots of maintenance and since it's an exercise area for dogs they run/play then you take them home where there's shade....

As to the people that have dogs with lots of fur/hair...get the fur cut short...bringing a long haired dog to a climate like this is rather cruel as they developed that long fur to keep them warm...

Catering to folks with dogs is a nice civilized thing to do, but if you get demanding don't be surprised if it falls on deaf ears....bring a beach umbrella with you, or a sun tent to provide shade that isn't there now....

I have heard the same thing. I also hastily add a great thanks to all the hard work that went into getting the park. I know they put in so much time and effort to get this. I had hoped The Villages would have done some research on what makes a good dog park and would have wanted to make one that reflected the quality of everything else we see in The Villages. I heard they didn't put trees in because grass doesn't grow under them. I've been to parks with a tree area kept mulched with wood seats in a circle for the owners to socialize. When the county budget was strapped, they just unloaded mounds of mulch and we, the users, brought rakes to spread it.

but, again, it's nice to have another park and going into the cooler months it should be ok for everyone.

You really don't know about this issue.

Ditto.

It doesn't even have to be trees. It can be a few spots under some kind of roof with chairs for the owners to get out of the sun as well as the dogs.

A dog park is a social area as well as an exercise area. People make lasting friendships there. One doesn't just run his dog and then load him up immediately when he gets hot and leave. There are usually cooling spots so more exercise and play time can be had by the dog.

Cutting a dog's hair is not going to keep him cooler. The fur of particular breeds is designed to be insulating. Cutting a dog's coat off can lead to sunburn or worse.

Don't have a dog do you?

It's a popular misconception that cutting a dog's hair in the summer will keep the dog cooler.

Article from the ASPCA ...
.... hold those clippers! While you or I would hate to sport a fur coat in 100-degree weather, your pets’ fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief.
“A dog’s coat is kind of like insulation for your house,” explains Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. “Insulation stops your home from getting too cold in winter, but it also keeps it from overheating in summer—and your dog’s coat does the same thing.”
Dogs’ coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog’s comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating. And keeping your dog cool isn’t the only reason to leave his coat intact, Dr. Murray warns. Your dog’s coat prevents your pup from getting sunburn and helps protect her from skin cancer.

Thank you Barefoot. One of the things I love about TOTV is that I learn several new things a day.

When I was in high school my father couldn't stand when people or dogs had hair in front of their eyes as was the style. Lucky for me, he ignored mine. But our dog Barny who was a West Highland Terrior got a trim if his fur was blocking his eyes. First my dad would give my Grandfather a trim and than Barny. My dad meant well.

Yep. Long hair often insulates a dog keeping it cooler.

The grass-in-shade argument is also a bit weak imho. The grass doesn't have to be perfect, and as stated, a mulched area is a possibility.

And as also stated, trees aren't the only possible source of shade.

Finally, nobody is being demanding. We're just discussing possible ways to improve an already nice facility. I could see very limited use of the dog park in months like experienced this summer if there is no shade whatsoever .