What are the design requirements for an off-leash dog park?

Design criteria for off-leash dog parks in the City of Greater Sudbury were approved in a report to the Community Services Committee on April 15, 2019.

Reviews of best practices in other municipalities and consultations with dog park user groups have determined the following:

Fencing should be at least four-feet (1.2 metres) in height and at least six-feet (1.8 metres) in height where the property borders arterial roads.

Double gated entrances to open run areas are preferred.

Separate entrances or open run areas are highly recommended for large and for small dogs.

Dependent on natural ground cover, wood chips or crusher dust may be considered with an antimicrobial option to reduce the spread of disease.

Signs displaying regulations and policies of the off-leash dog park are required.

Sufficient waste receptacles are required in the open run areas.

Mutt mitts/waste receptacles outside the open run areas are desirable.

Benches and picnic tables are highly recommended as well as shade structures if natural shade is unavailable.

Potable water stations are desirable dependent on available funding and water services.

Dog play equipment, including agility structures, are desirable dependent on funding.