CAI-NJ Aug. 2019(w)

DOG PARK... from page 13.

it didn’t include the topic of, how shall we say it, “waste man- agement”. Dealing with dog waste, along with other trash, is a matter of public health, so along with encouraging owners to bring their own “poop” bags, associations might want to consider the installation of a bag dispenser and trash recepta- cles. The good news on this front is that there are companies that specialize in maintaining dog parks and bag dispensers. INSURANCE The Risk. Before you begin your dog park project, be sure to notify the association’s insurance company for approval! In a pet-friendly community where leashed dogs are accompanied by their owner, the risks are known. However, gathering unleashed dogs in a park increases the likelihood of injuries to individuals and other dogs. It’s somewhat unpredictable and certain insurance companies might not want to continue the association liability cover- age if you add a dog park. New Jersey is a strict liability state. Dog owners are held strictly responsible for all damages caused by their canine. Provocation of the dog, trespassing onto private property

many options for the ground surface – each with pros and cons. Grass (sod) is easy to install but will require signifi- cant maintenance to keep it viable. You could use chips or gravel but this can become hot in the summer sun and more difficult to keep clean and sanitary. Another design decision is whether there will there be multiple enclosures to separate the dogs by size, as well as a double entry gate to better control ingress and egress. Best practice is to provide separate enclosures for the safety of the smaller dogs and their owners. Another consider- ation is the availability of water service lines. Fido and his friends will surely want to be able to drink after a rigorous play session. Therefore, there needs to be accessible water service lines, or the ability to bring them to the site. Shade is equally important – both for the canines and for the humans. The plan should also include seating options for the human attendees. Of course, any discussion of a dog park would be remiss if

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pick the right tools for your next project. With community association lending expertise like ours, you’ll get the job done right.

take that to the bank.

Matthew Driscoll VP/Regional Account Executive 443-866-9076 Toll Free 866-800-4656, ext. 7561 matt.driscoll@mutualofomahabank.com

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