risk. Anyone can be affected by the microscopic parasitic organisms found in pet feces. The removal of pet feces by pet owners should be taken seriously by both pet owners and non-pet owners.

Some solutions: First, the agency should educate the public of the potential risks associated with pet feces. Second, proper pet feces receptacles must be maintained by the agency. Third, the ordinances adopted by your agency must be posted (with accompanying fine information) and diligently enforced. Some agencies go so far as to chemically treat their pet areas with disinfectants.

Problem: Dogfights

Dog fights can occur in any situation where one or more dogs are involved. Your agency would be unique if it never encountered some sort of conflict between dogs. When providing space to be shared by many pets and pet owners, park managers must be prepared for the likelihood of conflict.

Some solutions: Proper socialization of pets must be constantly reinforced into the minds of your pet owners. Encouraging obedience training for pets and pet owners and posting signs that clearly state the behaviors that are acceptable and unacceptable can help prevent conflict in your pet areas.

It is also important to note that the pet owners in your area must be somewhat self-policing. Most agencies gladly admit that the success of their pet areas can be largely attributed to the responsible behavior of most (not all) of their designated pet area users.

Education

If we, as park managers, are willing to expect our park users to abide by our ordinances we must be willing to properly educate them. Education awaits the park manager willing to build relationships with local veterinarians, dog clubs, animal shelters and pet store operators. Distributing information to local pet owners on such important issues as proper socialization and care of pets will help reduce conflicts among park users. Successful distribution methods include:

· local media, such as newspapers, public access television and talk radio programs;

· information kiosks in parks including regulatory, advisory, and warning signs (some cities have funded pet area development by selling advertising space to local pet stores and veterinarians on information kiosks);

· adding pet obedience training to the programs your agency offers, which reinforces your commitment to successful park management;

· face-to-face interaction with pet owners, which provides a great opportunity not only to give, but to receive information regarding pet owner concerns; and,

· information in the agency's brochure regarding facilities available to pet owners and pertinent rules and regulations.

The success of your agency's pet areas depends on your ability to identify the need, to plan and design a properly selected site and, finally, to educate the public. As the number of pet owners increases, so too will the demand on open space in your community. Pets improve the lives of your residents and in many cases represent their primary source of companionship. Park managers must face the fact that more, not less, will be expected of them by pet owners. The transition of your open space from "pet exclusive" to "pet-friendly can be a smooth one if the items listed herein are considered in your management plans.

JOE POTTS,CLP

Is the superintendent of operations fo rthe Urbana Park District

Pet Are Resources

Harlock Jackson Pty LTD Planning & Development Consultants,
Blackshaw, J.K., and Marriott, J. (1995, August). Public Open Space
and Dogs. Prepared for the Petcare Information & Advisor Service.

Hickes, Jennifer (1995). Planning Parks for Pets.
American Park And Recreation Society, National Recreation and Park Association.

http://www.marin-humane.org/html/
dogpark.html#Marin_County_Dog_Parks

http://www.mindspring.com/~patmaar/
issues.htm#NYCRes