Basic improvements to dog parks and implementation of improvement proposals in future dog parks

In Central Uusimaa, Tuusula has the third highest number of dogs (3,950).

We, the representatives of the Finns Party, have visited the dog parks in Tuusula and listened to the views of dog owners in Tuusula on the improvements and changes needed in the existing dog parks and their wishes for what future dog parks should be like.

When planning new dog parks, the aim should be to ensure that dog park services are evenly distributed throughout the municipality in accordance with demand.

Important factors affecting the usability of a dog park are accessibility on foot and lighting. The best dog parks have trees and varied, natural terrain. It is important that the soil is permeable and the ground surface remains dry. The park should have both sunny and shady areas.

The surface of a dog park should be such that dogs’ paws do not become sore. Natural gravel, bark mulch or rounded wood chips, known as safety chips, are suitable surface materials for dog parks, whereas sharp wood chips are not suitable as dogs can get splinters in their paws.

The Finnish Kennel Club recommends that dog parks be built in two sections. This means that the parks should have separate areas for large and small dogs. For example, the dog park regulations in the cities of Oulu and Helsinki classify small dogs as those less than 40 cm in height and weighing no more than 15 kg. Signs should be clearly marked on the enclosures to indicate which side is for large dogs and which is for small dogs. The recommended size for a two-part dog park is at least 3,000 m2. The corners of the enclosure are built at a 90-degree angle or less so that the dogs cannot corner each other in the corners of the enclosure. The most expensive part of a dog park is usually the construction of the fences. The Finnish Kennel Club recommends a minimum fence height of 1.25 metres. The ideal height for a fence for small dogs would be 160 cm and for large dogs 200 cm, so that the dogs cannot jump over the fence and the fence is also high enough in winters with heavy snowfall. The fence should be built as close to the ground as possible, with no gaps or cracks at the bottom.

Dog parks should also be equipped with double gates. This means that entry to the park is through a windbreak-like “vestibule”. Double gates effectively prevent dogs already in the park from escaping through the gates when new dogs and their owners enter. The vestibule also helps to prevent potential conflicts between dogs, as they can safely get to know each other through the fence before being allowed into the park itself. The inward-opening entrance gate increases the safety of the park, as dogs already in the park cannot easily slip out of the gate when others are entering. The surface material used in the maintenance yard in front of the gates can be highly compacted stone dust. In addition to the entrance gate, the park should have a service gate for service vehicles.

The Finnish Kennel Club has set minimum requirements for dog park facilities. The park must have a 1,300-litre deep container or composter for dog waste, as well as 60-litre mixed waste bins, fixed benches, lighting, a container for sand for the winter season, shovels and other equipment for collecting dog waste, space for bicycles and a car park within reasonable distance of the park, and an information board at the entrance with the updated rules for the dog park. The objectives for the maintenance of dog enclosures are set out in the quality requirements for the maintenance of green areas. The aim of maintenance is to ensure that the enclosure does not pose any hygiene risks, is suitable for walking dogs and is safe for its users.

According to the Finnish Kennel Club’s recommendations, maintaining a dog park requires at least the upkeep of fences and gates, emptying rubbish bins, regular disinfection, replacing equipment, maintaining a notice board, monitoring the condition of the ground and taking care of the ground cover.

We, the undersigned, propose that the municipality take the above-mentioned needs into account in the planning of future dog parks already at the planning stage.

This content has been translated using AI

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