The park needs serious serious water management and better attention to detail before it deteriorates any further.
From what I hear and what I see is that the dog park is fairly new, a few years? But has not held up well to the daily traffic. Beyond the yearly maintenance, whoever controls this park needs to control erosion and water now to maintain a level of daily access for dog owners before it turns into a mud pit.
There are areas in the park that are completely worn out and muddy. I really feel like a lot of this was preventable.
My cheap layman suggestion is to rotate large sections of the park for the seasons. I think its large enough for it. Maybe add another gate at the other end to promote a healthier traffic flow as the lower end of the park sees less wear and tear. Naturally most of the wear is going to come from the top entrance of the park on the high side of the hill where erosion is most likely.
A moderate option would be to again add another gate and rotate sections for traffic but also add a water ditch that might flow the length of the park.
A later project might be to terrace step landscape the steeper parts of the property. This would save the tree roots from being exposed, help direct water flow, maybe add some cool features for the dogs to enjoy while adding space for humans to sit and watch.
Right now the small concrete pathway is not doing a good job with traffic. It's too thin and there is not enough space for owners to get comfortable. A huddled crowded mass of people ends up hugging the high slope watching their dogs below. The design discourages interaction with the dogs and damages the landscape when owners end up walking up and down the steep soil grade.
The airlock double gate is frustratingly designed. It's another reason to add another lower gate while stressing the need for increasing the holding the size of the current one. Again the walkway is bottlenecked. Clearly the designer or architect has never owned a dog. You need an option for space between dogs not a crowded walkway.
If I wanted to heckle things- why would an authority allow what looks like a landscape architect to design an active space like a dog park? They put more thought and money into the entrance landscaping and terracing than the dog park itself. Someone had an opportunity to design an active space -- a different purpose and aesthetic than the historic Ritter park-- and they flubbed it. Instead it looks like a passive attempt.
This dog park seems like an afterthought for a park That otherwise seems perfect. The sidewalk ends at the tennis courts leaving you to walk in the road. The dog park land is extreme and is not an easy task to landscape. The design and infrastructure seems naive and ignorant to the needs of dogs and their owners.
At least here you have a long fenced in space for the dog to run, enjoy and play. The lower area of the park still has grass. It's really awesome to see small agility obstacles. There's water available for the dogs. From what I hear the daily visitors are awesome people with awesome dogs.
Not everyone can own a large yard for a dog to enjoy. But community spaces like these help make my pup happy and lets me connect with the community in...
Read moreHuntington's PetSafe Dog Park is a fantastic spot for furry friends and their owners. Located within Ritter Park, this 3.5-acre space boasts ample room for dogs to run, play, and socialize. The park features separate, fenced-in areas for both large and small dogs, ensuring a safe environment for all sizes and temperaments. The hilly terrain provides a great workout for energetic pups, and the agility equipment adds an extra element of fun and stimulation. The park is well-equipped with amenities that enhance the experience for both dogs and their owners. Water fountains cater to thirsty pups (and people!), and dog waste bags and trash receptacles are readily available for convenient cleanup. Benches are scattered throughout the park, offering owners a chance to relax and observe their pets. The double-gated entry system provides a secure transition when entering and exiting the park. Overall, Huntington's PetSafe Dog Park receives high praise for its spaciousness, features, and overall positive environment. It's a wonderful place for dogs to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors, with thoughtful amenities that make the experience enjoyable for...
Read moreIt is a really nice dog park. It is on natural grass, and it might get muddy after heavy rain. So judge for yourself if your dog loves mud and whether you would mind having a muddy dog on the way home. However, there is a water hose by the building nearby, so the pup could get a quick wash after the mud fun. Also it has two areas, a big dog area and a small dog area. The big dog area is really big, so the big dogs can run wild and play rough against each other and be dogs. The people here are great and they look out each other's dogs. Whenever the dogs get too excited, whoever nearby would stand out and calm the pups. The downside is that the park is closed during winter for maintenance. But 4 months of closure seems too long (hence the four star). Maybe the area could be divided into separate fields and rotating the active area so that the pups could have some place to run...
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