No two dogs are the same. As a small dog owner myself, I understand how overwhelming busy outdoor spaces can be—especially for dogs that are a little more cautious or anxious. Any dog can feel defensive when faced with an unexpected encounter regardless of breed or size.

Tragically, last year, a small dog was fatally attacked by a larger dog in a public dog park. This heartbreaking incident sparked a strong response from the local community and gained the support of their MP, leading to the creation of dedicated Small Dog Parks—including Minkarra Small Dog Park and Dinton Small Dog Park.

The Evolution of Small Dog Parks

Minkarra Dog Park was originally built in 2013 as a shared space for dogs of all sizes. However, following the incident, the Small Dog Park was developed and officially opened in late April. Shortly after, Dinton Small Dog Park was completed in July, further reinforcing the need for safer, dedicated spaces for smaller breeds.

Why Small Dog Parks Are Essential

Smaller dogs often need more time and space to acclimate to new surroundings. A small dog park provides a secure, well-designed environment that allows them to build confidence, develop social skills, and interact safely with other dogs of similar size and temperament. The key is finding the right balance—enough space for movement and play, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming.

Both Minkarra and Dinton were designed internally by Council designers, with valuable input from the community to ensure the parks met these essential criteria.

Challenges and Solutions in Small Dog Park Design

As the first small dog park, Minkarra revealed some unforeseen challenges that were later addressed in Dinton’s design. Here’s how these issues were tackled:

• Escape Prevention: Small dogs are notorious escape artists! The solution? Composite edging made from recycled materials was placed under the bottom rails of the chain mesh boundary fencing. Additionally, a narrow concrete plinth was installed under the service gate, reducing the gap under the gate to just 40-50mm, preventing even the smallest pups from squeezing through.

• Fence Reinforcement: Large dogs in the adjacent dog park took an interest in their smaller neighbors, often leaning or jumping against the shared fence. This caused the flexible chain mesh panels to bend inward, creating a safety concern. The fix? Additional fencing was installed to reinforce the boundary and ensure a safe separation between the two parks.

• Accessible Gate Design: While both parks were designed to be wheelchair accessible, an oversight in the pedestrian gate locking mechanism made it difficult for wheelchair users to enter. This was corrected by lowering the lock, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.

Differences Between Minkarra and Dinton Small Dog Parks

While both parks share a common purpose, their layouts and features were tailored to suit their natural environments:

• Minkarra Small Dog Park: Due to its woody terrain, irrigation was not feasible. Instead, the park was landscaped with pine chips, de-barked logs, and large boulders.

• Dinton Small Dog Park: Given its more fertile soil, irrigation was installed, along with plant beds, trees, and a sandpit for dogs to enjoy.

• Color Palette & Park Furniture: Each park was designed to complement its surroundings, with different color palettes and furniture choices.

Park Furniture Features

✅ Minkarra Small Dog Park
🦴 Barossa Wave Shelter
🦴 Custom Lean Rail
🦴 Monaco Seat
🦴 Monaco Table Setting

✅ Dinton Small Dog Park
🦴 3×3 Capricorn Shelter with Screening
🦴 Custom-made leaning Rail
🦴 Kingsgrove Seat

Additionally, Minkarra was equipped with solar lighting, allowing dog owners to visit safely before and after sunset. A plaque was also installed on one of the benches to commemorate the small dog that tragically lost its life, serving as a reminder of why these parks were created.

A Welcomed Addition to the Community

The response from small dog owners has been overwhelmingly positive. While some challenges arose in the early stages, they were quickly resolved, ensuring a safe, well-thought-out space for small dogs to socialize, play, and explore.The success of Minkarra and Dinton Small Dog Parks highlights the importance of community-driven projects in creating safer, more inclusive outdoor spaces. These parks are not just about fun—they’re about ensuring the well-being of our furry companions.

Would you like to see more dedicated small dog parks in your area? Let’s keep the conversation going!

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