PERRY, GA, January 07, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- As the population of Houston Springs, Perry's first active adult lifestyle community, continues to grow so does its pet population.
With the increasing number of boomers filling their lives with the devotion of their pets, communities providing pet facilities are becoming more popular.
"As soon as a prospective resident sees the Houston Springs pet park, they know the community will fulfill an important prerequisite: a place for their pet to safety run," said Director of Sales and Marketing Melanie Lewis. "Bringing a pet to the park builds instant rapport. Many residents are simply recognized first by their pet's name. You'll hear people refer to their neighbors as Fifi's mom or Fido's dad."
The lifestyle community, which features a winding golf course through much of its area, included the dog park as an alternative to people walking pets on the golf course after hours. According to Lewis, designating an area for pets was much better than initiating rules against pet owners.
A group of regulars can often be found at the pet park but newcomers are quickly welcomed. The fenced facilities become social gathering places for residents who may catch up with neighbors while Fido plays nearby.
"There's a sense of community shared by pet owners," said Lewis. "It's different than people who walk their dogs on leashes."
The concept of pet parks has been embraced by counties and municipalities across the country. It has now become a growing trend in the planning of private multi-family and single-family communities and especially those with active adult focus.
"Designating an area doesn't have to be elaborate. We are seeing different size perimeter areas work well," explains Chris Grady, a land planner and a principal for KEPHART Community.Planning.Architecture of Denver. "Consideration also needs to be made for some type of holding-transition area for pets entering and exiting the park."
Grady, a dog owner himself, says link fences work well. An area offering trees and open areas, posts for sniffing, natural shade and seating benches are important as well.
He recommends allowances need to be made for doggy waste stations, trash cans and receptacles that maintenance staff can service. A water source is appropriate as well; conscientious owners will bring their bowls.
"The community's pet friendly policy made it a lot easier to choose Houston Springs," said Carol Newhart, a long-time resident. "There are lots of pet owners here. I've met some wonderful people at the dog park."
Recognizing that pets are a significant part of their residents' lives, Houston Springs' residents also organize special pet activities. For example, Dr. Brian Burnham of The Perry Animal Hospital holds periodic vaccination clinics for pets at the community's clubhouse and a mobile grooming van visits as well. Neighbors have become pet sitters and have discovered a cottage industry for their vacationing friends.
About Houston Springs
Developed by Woodland Property Partners, Inc., Houston Springs is a 500-acre master planned active adult community located in Perry, Ga., designed with villages of both single-family and attached homes that maximize golf course and lake views.
Featuring a golf course and driving range, clubhouses and a year-round program of scheduled social activities, Houston Springs provides low maintenance living in gated cluster-styled residences, focused on enjoyment of recreational amenities and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
For more information, please call (478) 988-8100 or visit http://www.houstonsprings.com.
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