How to Start A Dog Park

Is the canine population in your town budding out of control? Is there no place for your dog to be let out (safely) off the leash to play? Many towns are discovering the benefits of creating a dog park. It benefits both dog owners who are looking for a spot for Spot and non-dog owners who desire dog-free zones in town.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Website
• Friends Group
• Fund-raising
• City/State connections
• Patience

1. Create a "Friends" group. In order for you to be considered legitimate in your pursuit of land for a dog park you need to initiate a group.

2. Make it Non-Profit. In order to have tax breaks from your fund raising efforts you will need to file as a non-profit corporation. Each state varies in its rules for becoming a non-profit, so refer to your state website or the federal site: http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/index.html

3. Get Members. Get as many paying members as possible. Even if the membership is only $25, it will look more impressive to those in charge of the land/decision makers if you have a large cue of supporters.

4. Fund raising Events. Throw fund raising events that get the community involved. Having a Doggie Day, or a Dog March is a great idea to get owners and their dogs involved.

5. Reach Out To Non-Dog Owners. While dog owners (and the dogs!) are the most obvious benefactors of the addition of a park in the community, non-dog owners may be happy to hear that there will be a space relegated to dogs. Many non-owners do not like dogs, especially those that are left off the leash in areas that are not dog parks. By carving out a space only for dogs, these citizens may feel that you are doing them a service too.

6. Find the Land. While you cannot simply make a claim to land that you feel would be perfect for the pooches of your town, you can certainly do some homework on parcels of land that may be considered good areas for this kind of development. This will help direct 'the powers that be' when and if you reach the point of governmental intervention.

7. Get Publicity. Tell the local television, radio, and newspapers about your group and plan. Let them tell the story the way they know how. Make sure you always tell them to include the website and or pertinent contact information for citizens who are interested in helping or contributing.

8. Approach the Neighbor Council/City Council. Ask your government for support in this venture. These people are practiced at asking the state and/or city for things-if they think the idea is a good idea they can help you obtain the land and/or funds for the project.

9. Ask the State and City. Write a letter to selectmen, congressmen, and other state and city representatives about your desire for a dog park. Include the name of your organization, website address, and any information that will help you convince them that you are a serious group with a strong community support.

10. Have a Plan. Hire (or get a volunteer) architect or landscaper familiar with dog parks. Dog parks can be as simple or as intricate as you'd like. The amount of money you raise will have a direct connection to the type of dog park you will have.

11. Visit Other Dog Parks. Develop ideas by visiting other dog parks in the area.

12. Speak To Other Dog Park Organizers. Get in touch with the heads of groups that have gotten dog parks in neighboring towns. These people will be helpful since they have gone through the process themselves.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a steering committee so that each member shares the duties equally.
• Have monthly meetings to keep citizens excited about the park (even if there is no progress month to month with the state/city)
• Do not expect it to happen over night.