Unexpected Benefits of Dog Parks

Photo from South Loop Dog PAC

We all know about the benefits for dogs in dog parks (like socialization, excursive, stimulation, etc) but what about some of those less obvious reasons?  Dog parks offer a host of benefits...even to those that don't have a canine companion or choose not to use the park at all.  Here are our top three favorite unexpected benefits to building a dog park.

1.  Green Space - Trees give us necessary oxygen and plants have been proven over and over again to make people happy, literally.  Wouldn't you rather a vacant lot be turned into a place for greenery than remain vacant, weed filled, and a collection space for debris and trash?

2.  Less Poop - As you know, abandoned dog poo is a problem (if you don't already know - just check out South Poop to learn all about the South Loop poop epidemic), but give all those doggies a place to play and poop, and their owners some free bags, and they'll be less poop on the sidewalks.  Plus, dog owners are more likely to pick up their dogs poop (or even someone else's) inside a dog park than a random lot or sidewalk.

3.  Safer Parks for Kids - A common parent complaint is about the danger off leash dogs pose to children playing in parks.  They're worried Fido will knock over their little tot as he frolics in the grass.  With a designated place for dogs to play, kids can roam without fear of being disturbed by dogs, and vice versa.  Running dogs probably don't like kids getting in their way either.   And building more and more dog parks mean that people will be able to use them with ease and not have to resort to letting their dogs off leash in people parks.

Can you think of any other unexpected benefits of dog parks?