Due to a size limitation in Firefox the two most distant Parks are in their own file.


Southbury - 236 Roxbury Road (Sign says O & G Industries) - August 2013

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Looking from Entrance across a BIG field. Where not fenced there is usually thick brush.
On a sunny, warm day note all the people are on the far right where there is shade.
As Ashley sauntered across the field she spotted the shade of a newly planted tree and lay down
in the middle of the field. I let her catch her breath and we proceeded to the far side.

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Looking from the shady area back toward the parking lot. I captured some people
walking to and from the shade and some who are with dogs playing in the Sun.

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One border of the Dog Park is a stream. This is the walkway to a small island.
A couple of people have recommended this dog park for people with dogs who like to swim.
Most dogs charge across, some bound through the deeper areas. Ashley (a 75 pound retriever)
made it halfway across before turning back. She doesn't like to get her feet wet.
There is a sign warning of periods when the water will be fast moving.

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Meet and Greet between two dogs on the island. The water is deeper on the
far side of the island, I did not see a dog attempt to cross to the far shore.

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Three dogs looking back toward us people under the trees.

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The Small Dog Area. Note benches in the shade.
The first time I saw a weight limit! Some parks call it a "Small Dog, Timid Dog, or Time Out Area."

Score Card:
Pluses: Benches, Trees on far side, Small Dog Area, Big Park, Stream.
Minuses: Not a water bowl in sight, Only 2 trash cans for a large park.
Bring your own water and bowl unless you trust the river water.
Length 865 feet



Norwich - 261 Asylum Street - Pawsitive Park - July 2012

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Entrance. Lots of information posted around park.

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Looking from entrance across the field. Note the lack of trees inside the fence.

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Ashley quickly found relief from the Sun at the central Gazebo.

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This park includes twice as much land outside the fence with a jogging path and shaded paths.

Score Card:
Pluses: Benches, Water Faucet, Water Buckets in Gazebo area, Small Dog Area, Child Playing Area, Big Park.
Minuses: No trees in the fenced area.
Length 301 feet



Conclusions

Most all these Dog Parks have the basics needed to be successful: fence, double gate entrance, poop bag dispensers.
What many need is a strong volunteer organization to fill the dispensors, bring water to the bowls, maintain the surface.
Most cities will stop doing these tasks within a couple of years and the dog owners will take over the jobs if encouraged.
The volunteer organization will end up supplying poop bags, fixing benches, listening to complaints, negotiating for trees,
working with the City, etc. Note I didn't list lack of a water faucet as a minus, the users can bring water if none is provided.

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