Community Use of the Dog Park: I observed that many dog owners picked up after their pets and disposed of the waste in the bin. Some visitors also used the bags provided at the park, which shows that available cleanup materials can support proper disposal of pet waste. I also observed that many dogs became excited as soon as they got out of the car or off the leash, showing how important the park is as a recreational space for pets. The park also created opportunities for dog moms and dads to spend time with their pets and connect with other dog owners. Although small and large dogs had separate areas, some still interacted playfully across the fence. Their owners also connected and communicated with each other from opposite sides of the fence. This shows that the dog park serves not only as a space for pets to play, but also as a community space for social interaction among dog owners.
Social Norms and Peer Accountability: During the visit, I observed an example of informal peer accountability among park users. One park visitor noticed that a dog had pooped and politely alerted the dog owner. At first, the owner seemed unsure and did not immediately acknowledge the waste, suggesting that it may not have been clearly noticed. The visitor continued to point out the location, and after the reminder, the owner responded politely and appeared willing to address it. This observation shows that peer reminders can influence pet waste cleanup behavior and may help reinforce responsible practices in shared public spaces.