creative programming ideas for your dog park
DESCRIPTION
Presented to the 2013 National Recreation & Parks Association Congress, Houston, TexasTRANSCRIPT
2013 NRPA Congress Houston, Texas
October, 2013
Tom O’Rourke, Executive Director
Phil Macchia, Director of Parks
Steve Hutton, Director of Recreation
Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
CCPRC
Agency Background
CCPRC operates 3 Dog parks. All of our dog parks are within existing
large regional parks that have a gate fee. All of our parks are staffed, however the dog
parks have no staffing All three parks have the same maintenance
schedules All dog parks are open year round All our parks host events ALL THREE PARKS HAVE VERY DIFFERENT
USER GROUPS!!!!!!!!!!
The understanding from all staff that the
dog parks are a very unique opportunity
to reach out to a wide group of people
and make them loyal customers. These
facilities have to be operated with the
same passion and desire as a waterpark,
as an athletic complex or a new
community center.
Wannamaker County Park
1.5 acres
Average 30,000 dogs per year
Site needs work, was an overflow parking area
for a waterpark, drainage challenges
Average 350 maintenance man hours per year
Palmetto Islands County Park
3 acres
Averages 35,000 dogs per year
Site was horrible. No Drainage. Standing Water.
Spent 15,000 and re-graded the site.
Average 200 man hours per year
James Island County Park
4 acres
Averages 90,000 dogs per year
Site is good, has water, dogs allowed to
swim
Averages 450 maintenance man hours
per year
Every user group is different
Ownership within groups (cleaning up
after per, following rules)
Every park needs more shade
Drainage
Complete buy in from all staff
Keeping the park looking good
Big Dogs/Little Dogs
Aggressive Dogs
The PARENTS!
Social Impacts
Gathering Locations
Revenue implications (155,000 dogs per
year)
Sponsorship (Subaru)
Identity for CCPRC
Education
A. Bark Busters program
B. Petiquette program
C. Community Involvement
D. Website
Location: James Island County Park (JICP)
Year Started: 2010
2013 Dates: May 16 June 6 August 22 September 19 October 10 2013 Attendance: Average 300 per event 2013 Budgeted Revenue: $4,625 2013 Budgeted Expense: $3,495 2013 Sponsorship: $6,300 2013 Budgeted Advertising: $0
Location: Palmetto Islands County Park
Year Started: 2002
2014 Date: March 22 and 23 2013 Attendance: 5,000 people - 1,400 pets 2013 Budgeted Revenue: $16,125
2013 Budgeted Expense: $7,970 2013 Sponsorship: $12,500 2013 Budgeted Advertising: $7,800
Music: Taped music
Food: American, beverages
Special Activities: Pet contests, Pet meet the breed and family dog
Family Activities: Informational booths, Frisbee Dog
shows, contests to watch, dock dogs, etc.
Notes: Participants are encouraged to bring their socialized dog on a leash. A wide variety of other pets are also present, including birds, cats, ferrets, etc.
Advertising Plan: Ad in local newspapers and magazines,
radio, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts
Music: Live band from 4pm-8pm at the JICP dog
park
Food: Beer
Notes: Bring your dog to the JICP dog park
while enjoying cold beverages and listening to live
music
Advertising Plan: Quarterly Program Guide,
web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts
Location: Whirlin’ Waters at Wannamaker County Park
Year Started: 2009
2013 Dates: September 8 2013 Attendance: 1,612 people -1,128 dogs 2013 Budgeted Revenue: $10,360 2013 Budgeted Expense: $0 2013 Sponsorship: $4,500 2013 Budgeted Advertising: $0
Music: N/A
Food: Whirlin Waters Concessions
Notes: Dogs play in the
wave pool, lazy river and Otter Bay at Whirlin Waters Adventure Waterpark
Advertising Plan: Quarterly
Program Guide, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts
Location: Palmetto Islands County Park
Year Started: 2013 2013 Dates: May 9, 23, 30 August 29 September 12 October 17 2013 Attendance: 100 per event 2013 Budgeted Revenue: $4,500
2013 Budgeted Expense: $3,600 2013 Sponsorship: $1,800 2013 Budgeted Advertising: $0
Music: Live Local Artists Food: Local Food Trucks, beer
Notes: Patrons enjoy food, cold beverages
and live music at this social event for people and their dogs
Advertising Plan: Quarterly Program Guide, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts
FAQ’S
When is dog park closed
for maintenance?
Do you have warnings
about alligators?
YOU are completely responsible for all injuries and damage
caused by your dog. Pick up the poop! If your dog poops, you must immediately
remove the excrement. Leash your dog until it is safely inside, and return it to leash
upon exiting. Always keep an eye on your dog, and keep voice control to
prevent any trouble. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Leash your dog whenever you sense problems. Do not let dogs dig holes. If they do, fill them in immediately. Keep food out of the enclosures. Dogs may become overly
protective or aggressive in the presence of food. Access to the dog park may be restricted during special
events. If so, notice will be posted. Immediately report any bite or attack to the Park Office.
