In Charleston County, dog parks are seen as much more than just places to let dogs release energy and roam off-leash; they are seen as spaces and destinations where people can meet others, enjoy the outdoors, relax, be physically active, and spend a good afternoon with their best friends - their dogs. Today, there are a variety of creative offerings that promote the park system goals while also generating capital to support the dog park sustainability efforts.
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates three dog parks in the Charleston vicinity. Their off-leash dog parks are located within larger regional parks in James Island County Park, North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, and Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. Interestingly, each one of these three dog parks serves a diverse user group with their own unique set of goals and interests. Each frequently hosts events that bring people together in meaningful ways to promote socialization and physical activity.
Every month from, May till October, CCPRC hosts Yappy Hour. For a small entrance fee, this happy-hour event includes live music from local bands, beverages, and food. Beer, wine, cola products and water are made be available for purchase. Yappy Hour is free with park admission ($2 per person or free with the Gold Pass) and no registration is required.
The dog parks have lots of room for pups and people to run and play, with separate fenced-in sections for large and small dogs and a large lake where dogs can swim and play (wildlife is present so pets should be monitored closely). The park also offers a dog washing area, water fountains, benches and nearby restroom facilities.
Charleston County Parks encourages all dog owners to please visit charlestoncountyparks.com to review the dog park rules as well as our suggestions for pet etiquette, or “petiquette,” before visiting Yappy Hour or the dog parks. Other events include Pet Fest, and Dog Day Afternoon. Pet Fest, usually held during the last weekend of March, offers exhibits, demonstrations, experts, and entertainment. It provides an opportunity for local organizations and businesses to highlight their causes, products, and services in a pet-friendly environment. Their Dog Day Afternoon event, held in September at Whirlin Waters Adventure Water Park and Splash Island Water Park, brings dogs and dog-owners together for a unique experience before the water parks close for the season. Of course, only dogs are allowed in and around select water park features, no human swimming , St. Paddy's Pawlooza (held in the Spring) and Bark in the Park (held in the Fall) occur in and around the dog park at Wannamaker County Park. These mid-sized events share similarities with both Yappy Hour and Pet Fest.
The former Top Dog contest was a program that picked a mascot as the CCPRC agency model. All the people in the community, with or without dogs, were invited to campaign for their favorite dog on Facebook or the agency's website, driving traffic into the CCPRC's own website to vote. O'Rourke explains that this simple strategy "creates much stir in the community" and a sense of belonging. The dogs' pictures, bio's, and stories are also featured on the website. O'Rourke adds "the dogs are often rescued dogs..adding to that feel-good aspect."
Events are held to generate revenue and to sustain the maintenance and upkeep of the dog park. O'Rourke provides more information regarding revenue generation by stating that dog parks "have to be operated with the same passion and creativity as a waterpark, athletic complex, or community center." There are many other programmatic events that can be held once every year or multiple times a year such as volunteer cleanups, obedience classes, dog nutrition classes, or outreach activities where individuals may prepare care packages for Kg military units.
