Just as dog parks themselves have evolved over the past few decades, so has agility equipment. Though traditional components such as metal ramps, jumps, and tunnels are still popular additions to off-leash areas, there are newer options to choose from that offer the same play opportunities park users expect, but with a much more natural aesthetic.
Nature-themed dog park equipment gives you the best of both worlds—durable, long-lasting agility components that complement Mother Nature’s handiwork. Realistic looking log tunnels, bridge-style ramp crossings, climbing boulders, stepping stones, and stump jumps can help convert a dog park into something special.
Much like any park equipment purchase, sourcing quality materials is a great starting point. Look for “all weather” equipment that features resistance to both rust and the elements such as UV rays, wind, rain, and snow.
GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) has long been a popular material for nature-themed features due to its availability. While durable and well suited for outdoor use, its heavy weight means the larger pieces can be cumbersome to ship and install. GFRC also can run on the more costly side due to the labor-intensive manufacturing process of blending the concrete with alkali-resistant glass fiber strands, which help to provide structural support. Lastly, some sealants and paints can smooth out some of the texture of the concrete, which would otherwise help provide slip resistance for dogs.
Another option is the real deal. Landscape boulders can be easily sourced but may require some finagling during installation along with specialized equipment—a three-foot high boulder can easily weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds. Depending on ground conditions, they may also need to be embedded into concrete to be stable enough to walk or jump on without moving. Dog park boulders should also be relatively flat on the top and large enough for a dog to stand or sit comfortably.
When it comes to using real wood for equipment in dog parks, many people find degradation from moisture, rot, or pests can quickly become a problem. Pressure-treated wood offers more longevity, and fortunately new treatments are much safer (arsenic-free is a good thing!), but the wood can still splinter if chewed, leading to a potential for a gastric obstruction or painful shards that can get lodged in a dog’s mouth or paw. Wood is also just plain slippery! All walking surfaces of dog play equipment should offer a slip-resistant finish; dogs are less likely to want to use agility components again if they lose their footing on a slippery surface.
A newer approach to nature-themed agility equipment uses polymer-based materials that are much lighter and thus easier to ship and install than GFRC. Often used in zoos and aquariums, they offer a truly natural look, and when finished with sand or crushed stone, feature the realistic variations in color you’d expect to see in a rock quarry or forest. Because they are typically molded from the real thing, look for details like tree rings or natural crevices, which deliver visual authenticity along with traction.
In addition to a more realistic appearance, polymer is strong. Due to its unique “skin” overlaying the reinforced base, the material can be pressure-washed without flaking, loss of color, or chipping, making for easy maintenance. This also benefits folks with seasonal parks as the components can be safely stored and stacked in the off-season without damage.
For added benefits, look for equipment with multiple mounting options. Many components can be permanently mounted with anchor bolts, secured with landscape stakes for seasonal off-leash areas in campgrounds or RV parks, or are truly portable. As pop-up dog parks become a more popular way to test community interest or possible locations, lighter-weight and portable dog agility components allow even a temporary space to instantly feel like a more complete dog park experience. A recreation team can quickly unload and place the equipment within minutes, and teardown is just as easy.
Whether your dog park is a downtown urban playland, by the sea, at the base of a mountain range, or a more creative location (we know folks are getting resourceful!), nature-inspired play equipment is sure to offer a unique take for agility enthusiasts—both dog and human alike. RM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nora VandenBerghe is a managing partner of Dog-On-It-Parks and lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a rescued Pit Bull mix and two Great Danes.