There are currently 774 dog parks in the 100 largest cities in the U.S., 38 more than last year. Since 2009, there’s been a 40% increase in dog parks
BizJournals.com
When you live in an active, outdoorsy city, dog parks are a great way to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. If you live in Boise, Idaho, you’re in luck. According to a report in 2018, Boise ranked #1 for number of dog parks. For every 100,000 people there are 6.7 dog parks in Boise. Portland, Oregon was a close second.
California appears on the list twice, which isn’t surprising as they were also ranked the healthiest state by US News in May of 2019 with only 11% of adults reporting poor mental health.
LoDO 
Benefit 1: EXERCISE
With close to 50% of US households owning dogs, it’s nice to have easily accessible dog parks. My dog park is about a 5-7 minute walk from my apartment, which adds an additional 10-20 minutes of walking into my daily routine, 3-5 days a week. Dogs are great at providing feelings of comfort and mental well-being, but they also significantly increase your amount of exercise you do on a regular basis.
Benefit 2: SOCIAL INTERACTION
By going to the dog park regularly, you’re likely to see the same familiar faces. People crave intimacy, but we often feel overwhelmed by others and the idea of initiating a conversation with an unfamiliar person can be intimidating. By going to the dog park regularly and seeing the same people over and over again, those familiar faces can provide comfort and feelings of safety. Eventually, you may make a deeper connection with one of those familiar faces due to the fact that we become attracted to what is familiar to us.
Benefit 3: FRESH AIR
Being outside provides significant benefits to your physical and mental health. Fresh air is great for strengthening your immune system. Fresh air is great for giving you a burst of energy. Fresh air is great for clearing our minds after a stressful start to the morning. Fresh air coupled with exercise and your pup screams healthy living!
Benefit 4: GOOD FOR YOUR DOG
Not only does taking the time to go to the dog park a few times a week (or everyday!) benefit you, but it’s great for your dog as well. The dog park will help your yellow lab get her exercise in. It’ll bring a pug and a poodle together. The dog park will allow you to establish trust with your new rescue dog when you play fetch together.
94% of millennials are wanting more dog parks. Do you live close to a dog park? Do you think your health could improve from making the dog park a part of your daily/weekly routine?
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thank you jen!!!! Ily ❤️❤️ you’ll love Riley, he’s a saint
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