DPMJ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a dog park?

A dog park is any fenced-in area where owners may safely allow their dogs to exercise off-leash, play and socialize with other dogs. Often these areas are managed by the users themselves, and in our case in conjunction with a Board of Directors, and the cooperation of local authorities.

How will the dog park benefit our community?

A dog park provides many benefits:

• Well-exercised dogs are happy dogs, and are more likely to be quiet, good neighbors.
• Dog parks create a sense of community and forge friendships among users, as playful dogs break the ice between strangers.
• Dog parks add to the livability of densely populated areas with small yards.
• Dog parks promote responsible pet ownership and provide an efficient tool for educating dog owners.
• Dog parks strengthen the bond between owners and their dogs, making them less likely to surrender them to a shelter.
• Dog parks discourage crime and loitering, and raise property values.
• It’s estimated that as many as 60% of households own a dog.

Why Rapho Township Park?

Rapho Park is a great location, an already established park with pavilions, ball fields, bathrooms, and a concession stand. It is close to large neighborhoods that will benefit from the dog park, and in addition, Route 283 is nearby for easy access.

How will the dog park be funded?

DPMJ will be community planned, community funded, and community maintained. In the beginning, we will rely on government grants, corporate sponsorships, donations to a memorial vestibule for beloved pets, and good old fashioned fund raising. Our goal is $60,000, of which we already have $20,000. Membership fees of $50 year will be the primary source of income once the park opens, though sponsorships and fund raising will continue.

How will the dog park be built?

The dog park will be constructed in phases with amenities added as monies from grants and fundraising become available. The initial phase of construction involves two sections, one for large dogs and one for the little guys, enclosed with 6-foot fencing & an electronic gate system, a level grass surface, informational signage, waste disposal stations, and water fountains that serve both humans and canines. Later phases will include pavilions and trees for shade, other plantings for privacy and noise buffering, benches, a paved memorial vestibule, and additional amenities such as play equipment.

How will a dog park in Rapho Township affect neighboring property values?

We expect either positive impact, or neutral impact. Typically, according to several articles, property values near dog parks increase, sometimes significantly. Consider this: parks increase the livability of a town and provide for a better sense of community. The more parks a city has, and the more variety of parks a city has, the higher its property values tend to be.

Dog parks have become a sought-after amenity among people relocating to a community, for all the aforementioned reasons. With the number of dogs living in the Mount Joy area, and the family-member status that our dogs enjoy, a dog park has moved from the luxury column, to the necessity column. For many people, their dogs are their children, and they want to live in a community that honors that relationship.

An additional plus for property owners, dog parks purportedly help to reduce crime. Who would commit a crime with dogs and owners watching? In one town, the Deputy Chief of Police stated, “Since the dog park started operations, we have seen a significant drop in calls for suspicious persons or activity occurring near the park.”

Won’t the dog park smell and be unsanitary?

More than 3,000 dog parks exist in the United States today, and the number is growing exponentially every year. Dog owners who use these parks value the opportunity the parks offer and are extremely conscientious about taking care of these parks. Moreover, owners who take the time to use the park care for the well-being of their pets and want the area to be safe, clean, and pleasant. Therefore, dog parks include multiple clean-up stations where owners may access waste-disposal bags and trash cans. In short, dog parks are generally very clean and well cared for by their users, but to add a layer of accountability, volunteers will be coordinated by the committee to ensure proper upkeep of the park.

Will the dog park be noisy?

Studies at other dog parks demonstrate the noise level to be minimal. Observers noted that most often dogs did not bark in the parks, as they are too busy running and playing and sniffing. Dogs that barked did so for short periods of time, sometimes to welcome a new friend when they entered. Interestingly, the studies found the loudest barking was heard from dogs confined in neighboring yards.

Should I be concerned about safety?

Over 50% of dog bites are by dogs in their own yard, protecting their territory. Source: Insurance Information Institute, Dog Bite Liability. Only about 10% of bites are by dogs unknown to the victim. Source: American Veterinary Medical Assoc.
DPMJ will seek grants to develop a comprehensive educational bite prevention program that can be used by schools and communities. The dog park will also be a good location to hold these classes as well as others that pertain to dog ownership.

For membership, proof of dog license, vaccinations and homeowner’s (or renter’s) insurance must be provided and kept on record. Once these documents and the membership fee are received, a key fob is activated and given to the owner to open the electronic gate. At the end of the year, or should there be complaints, the key fob is electronically deactivated.

We will have an on-line complaint form that is filled out by anyone who has a problem with another dog or its owner. It will be emailed to the committee person in charge of conflict resolution to be handled. If and when a dog demonstrates dominant and/or aggressive behavior, two Board members will address the issue with the owner, and determine whether the pro-rated membership should be returned and membership cancelled, or whether another solution might work.

What sort of rules will there be at the park?

The American Kennel Club has created a list of suggested rules which the committee will use as a guideline for our park. See the DPMJ rules here.

How can I help?

Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising efforts, ongoing maintenance costs and volunteer clean-up days.
Additionally, the sub-committees are seeking volunteers for grant-writing, site planning, sponsorship procurement, fundraising, registration/record keeping, publicity/public relations, communication, education, conflict resolution, and grounds maintenance. Whatever your talent and availability, please join us!