Presented to the 2013 National Recreation & Parks Association Congress, Houston, Texas

1. 2013 NRPA Congress
Houston, Texas
October, 2013
Tom O’Rourke, Executive Director
Phil Macchia, Director of Parks
Steve Hutton, Director of Recreation
Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

2. CCPRC
Agency Background

7. CCPRC operates 3 Dog parks.
All of our dog parks are within existing large regional parks that have a gate fee.
All of our parks are staffed, however the dog parks have no staffing
All three parks have the same maintenance schedules
All dog parks are open year round
All our parks host events
ALL THREE PARKS HAVE VERY DIFFERENT USER GROUPS!!!!!!!!!!

8. The understanding from all staff that the dog parks are a very unique opportunity to reach out to a wide group of people and make them loyal customers. These facilities have to be operated with the same passion and desire as a waterpark, as an athletic complex or a new community center.

9. Wannamaker County Park
1.5 acres
Average 30,000 dogs per year
Site needs work, was an overflow parking area for a waterpark, drainage challenges
Average 350 maintenance man hours per year

10. Palmetto Islands County Park
3 acres
Averages 35,000 dogs per year
Site was horrible. No Drainage. Standing Water. Spent 15,000 and re-graded the site.
Average 200 man hours per year

11. James Island County Park
4 acres
Averages 90,000 dogs per year
Site is good, has water, dogs allowed to swim
Averages 450 maintenance man hours per year

12. Every user group is different
Ownership within groups (cleaning up after per, following rules)
Every park needs more shade
Drainage
Complete buy in from all staff
Keeping the park looking good
Big Dogs/Little Dogs
Aggressive Dogs
The PARENTS!

13. Social Impacts
Gathering Locations
Revenue implications (155,000 dogs per year)
Sponsorship (Subaru)
Identity for CCPRC
Education

14. A.Bark Busters program
B. Petiquette program
C.Community Involvement
D. Website

16. Location: James Island County Park (JICP)
Year Started: 2010
2013 Dates:
May 16
June 6
August 22
September 19
October 10
2013 Attendance: Average 300 per event
2013 Budgeted Revenue: $4,625
2013 Budgeted Expense: $3,495
2013 Sponsorship: $6,300
2013 Budgeted Advertising: $0

17. Location: Palmetto Islands County Park
Year Started: 2002
2014 Date: March 22 and 23
2013 Attendance: 5,000 people - 1,400 pets
2013 Budgeted Revenue: $16,125
2013 Budgeted Expense: $7,970
2013 Sponsorship: $12,500

2013 Budgeted Advertising: $7,800

18. Music: Taped music
Food: American, beverages
Special Activities: Pet contests, Pet meet the breed and family dog
Family Activities: Informational booths, Frisbee Dog shows, contests to watch, dock dogs, etc.
Notes: Participants are encouraged to bring their socialized dog on a leash. A wide variety of other pets are also present, including birds, cats, ferrets, etc.
Advertising Plan: Ad in local newspapers and magazines, radio, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts

19. Music: Live band from 4pm-8pm at the JICP dog park
Food: Beer
Notes: Bring your dog to the JICP dog park while enjoying cold beverages and listening to live music
Advertising Plan: Quarterly Program Guide, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts

20. Location: Whirlin’ Waters at Wannamaker County Park
Year Started: 2009
2013 Dates: September 8
2013 Attendance: 1,612 people -1,128 dogs
2013 Budgeted Revenue: $10,360
2013 Budgeted Expense: $0
2013 Sponsorship: $4,500
2013 Budgeted Advertising: $0

21. Music: N/A
Food: Whirlin Waters Concessions
Notes: Dogs play in the wave pool, lazy river and Otter Bay at Whirlin Waters Adventure Waterpark
Advertising Plan: Quarterly Program Guide, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts

22. Location: Palmetto Islands County Park
Year Started: 2013
2013 Dates: May 9, 23, 30
August 29
September 12
October 17
2013 Attendance: 100 per event
2013 Budgeted Revenue: $4,500
2013 Budgeted Expense: $3,600
2013 Sponsorship: $1,800
2013 Budgeted Advertising: $0

23. Music: Live Local Artists
Food: Local Food Trucks, beer
Notes: Patrons enjoy food, cold beverages and live music at this social event for people and their dogs
Advertising Plan: Quarterly Program Guide, web, posters, email, and FaceBook posts

26. FAQ’S
When is dog park closed for maintenance?
Do you have warnings about alligators?

27. torourke@ccprc.com
pmacchia @ccprc.com
shutton@ccprc.com

28. YOU are completely responsible for all injuries and damage caused by your dog.
Pick up the poop! If your dog poops, you must immediately remove the excrement.
Leash your dog until it is safely inside, and return it to leash upon exiting.
Always keep an eye on your dog, and keep voice control to prevent any trouble.
Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Leash your dog whenever you sense problems.
Do not let dogs dig holes. If they do, fill them in immediately.
Keep food out of the enclosures. Dogs may become overly protective or aggressive in the presence of food.
Access to the dog park may be restricted during special events. If so, notice will be posted.
Immediately report any bite or attack to the Park Office.