DCDogVoter.com

Seems like Montgomery County understands that dog parks are a win-win situation for all animals involved.  Note the positive approach to dog parks that the County takes.  Also from the Montgomery County Dog Park Site:

Why are Dog Parks needed?

Dogs need sufficient exercise to maintain their physical health and to learn appropriate behavior when socializing with humans or other dogs. They also need regular outings to reduce boredom, release pent-up energy at home, and decrease aggressive behavior.Owning a dog encourages people to exercise and visit their local park.  More than most other park facilities, Dog Parks have been places where neighbors and other local residents regularly meet and greet, often forming the beginning of longer-lasting community ties.Dogs and their owners have been affected first by planning for communities and public open space and then by its management. As more people live in compact types of housing surrounded by heavier traffic, greater demands are placed on public open space.  More intense user conflicts within existing parks, especially those in more urbanized areas, have often meant greater restrictions on domestic animals to public open space. Montgomery County has over 25,000 licensed dogs and many more who are unlicensed. 

In looking at metro area official dog parks, it’s not hard to notice that other municipalities have established legislation that provides flexibility in creating dog parks.  Please see such rules below governing Montgomery County.  My challenge to DC officials:  talk to Montgomery County officials and find out about best practices!

Managing Dog Parks within Montgomery County’s Park System: 

The Department of Parks will provide basic maintenance for these facilities. Development of these facilities will be supported by the Department of Parks’ Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with daily operation and maintenance support. Oversight of the dog parks will be the responsibility of the Department of Parks, park managers and the Park Police. 

The following criteria for choosing locations for Dog Parks within the public parkland system: 

At least acre in size; preferably more; perhaps an area large enough to develop two sections, allowing for use of one while maintaining the other; (smaller areas may be considered in urban areas of the county). 

Healthy soils with good drainage, some large shade trees or an open shelter; 

A site that is compatible with existing uses in that park; 

Safe distance from roadways; 

Accessible parking area with safe passageway between parking area and dog exercise area; 

A sufficient distance or a buffer from residential areas; 

A clean drinking water source for dogs (desirable but not mandatory);  

Easy accessibility for trash removal and other park maintenance tasks; 

If designed for neighborhood use, accessibility (within walking or short driving distance) to residential areas; 

A site that is not unduly environmentally sensitive, and that can accommodate a dog exercise area without excessive environmental damage. 

http://www.centrevilledogs.org/

http://www.restondogs.org/welcome.cfm

The above private dog groups have public partnerships with Fairfax County. I’ve emailed Centrevilledogs and Onedogatatatime to find out more about their dog park building experience. I did not see an email for Restondogs.