Six years ago, the nation had only 20 dog parks. Today there are more than 500. They’re cropping in towns of all sizes around the country—largely in urban and suburban areas, where wide-open spaces are hard to come by.

Although dog parks vary greatly in size and amenities, they are largely defined by the fences that surround them. Unlike legal off-leash exercise areas of regular parks, they physically separate the animals and those who enjoy their company from those who do not. There in this giant playpen, the supervised dogs can run and play off-leash, freely and safely, while owners are free to relax alone or socialize with one another

Although problems can arise when dogs and/or their owners forget their manners, when the rules are followed, the animals and their owners benefit. This is the case too for others who do not enjoy unexpected close encounters with off-leash animals in their neighborhoods or parks. Fights between dogs, which are basically social animals, are said to be relatively rare because the parks, unlike the canines’ homes, are neutral ground, not part of the territory canines instinctively protect.

Aside from obvious benefits to the animals are the benefits to the owners who can let their dogs socialize and exercise—without having to huff along beside them or toss anything. Many use the time and freedom to relax alone or socialize with other animal lovers. Some even meet on a regular basis in informal groups or to share interests, such as in book or investment clubs.

The rules are basically common sense. Animals must be up-to-date on shots and be supervised by their owners, who are obliged to keep them in check and clean up after them.

Owners are normally required to stay within sight of their dogs, carry a leash, and be prepared to remove them if they become aggressive. Dogs in heat are banned for obvious reasons.

Animals who use these parks must sport all tags attesting to their vaccinations and licenses, including the permit that entitles them to enter the premises. The proceeds of the permit fees are used for park maintenance and operation and future park development.

Southlake now has more than 23,600 residents, mainly families with school-age children. Not surprisingly, a high percentage its nearly 7300 households have at least one dog.

Just as the city’s recreational areas allow its residents to enjoy a wide variety of sports and other leisure activities, a dog park would enable responsible dog owners to relax with their dogs in an area where the animals could run safely and legally off-leash.

The City of Southlake has already shown its support of the BooBoo’s Buddies project by mapping out several potential sites…