The Town of Harrisburg – Parks and Recreation Department
June 2011
PROPOSAL FOR A
COMMUNITY DOG PARK
VALUE OF A COMMUNITY DOG PARK
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People and their dogs can
play together in an
un-leashed atmosphere
Increased exercise and
socialization for dogs and
their owners
Safe and accessible location
for dogs to play and interact
Increased value and quality
of life for the community
Meeting the needs of dog
owners – currently 46.3
million dog owners in the U.S.
POTENTIAL RISKS & LIABILITIES OF A DOG PARK
Dog fights
 Dog bites
 Dog waste
 Noise level
 Parking and traffic control
 Maintenance
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ADDRESSING CERTAIN RISKS
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Assumption of Risk – Dog park patrons will assume most of the
risk since they will be informed of the fact that dogs will be off
their leash
Local government immunities will protect the Town of
Harrisburg since they are trying to do something beneficial
Usage of waivers, permits and posted rules/ regulations will
lessen certain liabilities
The Dog Bite Law puts the liability on
the dog
the dog owner, not the dog park
owner
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS TO REDUCE RISKS
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All participants of the dog park must purchase a permit ahead
of time – dogs must have vaccinations, be spayed/neutered
and a liability waiver must be signed
Signage will be placed at the entrance and throughout the dog
park making patrons aware of the rules – ex. No toys or treats
allowed in the dog park; no more than 3 dogs per person; and
owner must have leash available in case it is needed
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS CONT.
Staff will maintain the dog park to keep the
grass short; will clean dog waste and empty
trash cans regularly; will fill holes and have dog
waste bags available
 Staff will be on site during all operating hours
of the dog park to check permits,
monitor the dog park, write
incident reports and report further
problems to Animal Control
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MANAGEMENT ACTIONS CONT.
Public meetings will be held to educate the
public on how to be a responsible pet owner
and to answer questions about the new dog
park
 A budget will be developed to cover all of the
maintenance and
operational costs
associated with the
dog park
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WHY HARRISBURG SHOULD SUPPORT THE
BUILDING OF A DOG PARK
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The Parks and Recreation
Department feels a dog park would meet the needs and
demands of current dog owners in Harrisburg
It would provide a specific location for dogs to run and
play without bothering other patrons of the park
It would allow dogs to socialize with other dogs while
they and their owners got exercise, got to be outside and
enjoy the park setting
Harrisburg residents would not have to travel outside of
Harrisburg to enjoy a dog park and this amenity would
add to the overall quality of life in Harrisburg
Thank you!
Any questions or concerns can be
directed towards the Harrisburg Parks
and Recreation Department.