The Perks of Parks

            As of 2011, there were more urban households with dogs than with children. The majority of dog owners feel just as strongly about achieving the happiness of their canines as parents do about pleasing their children. Hence, the United States has seen a major surge in the number of urban dog parks popping up in large cities. Portland, Oregon tops the charts, with 5.7 dog parks per 100,000 residents. It is followed closely by Norfolk, Virginia, which tallies 5.1 dog parks per 100,000 residents (Nasser). Not only do these canine playgrounds increase the social interactions between dogs, but they also forge strong ties between humans with similar interests.

Naturally, when a dog owner takes their canine to a community park surrounded by other dog owners, conversations will ensue and friends will be made. These social ties increase the shared sense of community and goodwill in cities, thus dismantling the individualism and rush often found in large urban areas. The great enthusiasm for urban dog parks picking up in many cities across the US also promotes greenery and foliage in congested cities. It offers a chance for residents to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature, while simultaneously allowing their deserving canines to stretch their legs. If this excitement for dog park continues to grow in the US, the sustainability benefits for cities will be boundless.

Works Cited

Nasser, Haya E. "Fastest-growing urban parks are for the dogs." USA Today: News. USA Today, 8 Dec. 2011. Web. 4 Dec. 2014. <http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-07/dog-parks/51715340/1>.