Proposal

Executive Summary

This proposal is to outline the minimum requirements for the establishment of a dog park site in Sandown utilizing town conservation property. A dog park is a clearly defined location where dog owners can safely and legally exercise and socialize their dog’s off-leash. The proposal is being submitted by Sandown Dog Park, a non-profit 501c3(soon to be), community based group. Sandown Dog Park recommends the minimum distance to residential property should be not less than 50 yards. The Town will approve the specific site, by the Board of Selectmen.

Benefits to the Town

A dog park would provide clear health, safety, and legal benefits to the Town and to park users. Legal: Clearly posted waivers of liability would relieve the Town of any legal responsibility for the actions of dogs and their owners inside the park. Dog parks would make off-leash activity legal within the official dog park. Safety: Dog parks reduce the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in park areas where they could interfere with other park users such as bicyclists, skateboarders, and rollerblading. Providing separate areas for dog exercise. Segregates dog owners from other users and reduces the risk of collisions, etc. Years of experience at dog parks across the country indicate that dogs are less aggressive in open areas because they are on neutral territory and not constrained by their leashes. Health: Dedicated dog parks improve public health by keeping dog waste confined to one area. Peer pressure encourages dog owners to pick up after their dogs and keep the park clean. Dog parks provide a centralized area to provide information on dog health, veterinary services, training, etc.

Legal Issues

The Sandown Dog Park understands that there will be concerns about liability and about public health at dog parks. Sandown Dog Park proposes that the following or similar language be posted prominently at each entrance to the dog park: “By entering this dog park, the park user agrees to hold the Town of Sandown harmless and free from liability from any action of any park users or their dogs. Park users agree to fully comply with posted rules and take full legal liability from any action of their own or their dogs.” This language reduces liability for dog park usage in and much more clearly than for other uses such as rugby, mountain biking, or rollerblading, which generally do not have posted liability waivers.

Health Issues

The operational proposal below addresses housekeeping issues in dog parks so public health will not be compromised. The Sandown Dog Park is committed to monitoring park usage along with park users to be sure that they are well maintained, safe, secure, and clean. Dog park experience in hundreds of parks across the United States indicates that users cooperate to keep their designated areas clean and well maintained.

Minimum Site Requirements / Funding

Size and Amenities: The optimal site size is 3 - 5 acres, although smaller sites may be considered if particularly suitable in location or other features. Sandown Dog Park recommends that the site be fenced with at least 5 foot minimum height cyclone or field fencing for clear definition and safety. The site should have adequate parking ten (10) vehicle parking spaces per acre of land, drainage, and will be clearly signed and posted. Other amenities such as shade, running water, and lighting are desirable but not required. Sites will be planned for handicapped accessibility per the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Federal Law, as one of the major benefits of a dog park is to provide handicapped dog owners with a way to exercise their dogs. Funding: The funding for development of the dog park, improvements and amenities will be provided by the private sector. Improvements include any site preparation such as clearing and grading. Amenities may include, but not be limited to, fencing, shade structures, water lines / faucets / fountains / ponds, lighting, dog exercise / agility equipment, and furniture for human use. Site Plan: Upon approval of the specific site location by the Town, a detailed site plan including improvements and amenities will be submitted.

Operations

Maintenance: The Sandown Dog Park proposes that lawn maintenance, trash containers, and garbage pickup for the dog park as well as trash containers liners and lids will be provided through a small membership fee and private sector investment and volunteer efforts. Park hours will be jointly developed by the Town and Sandown Dog Park. Signage: The rules will be clearly posted at all entrances of the dog park. Security: Security would be provided by a combination of the Town Police Department, County Sheriff, and or Constables. Staffing and Administration: Sandown Dog Park proposes that the dog park be Managed utilizing volunteer staffing. This will make the park easy to administer from the Town’s standpoint with a minimum of resources.