It can provide a textural and visual contrast to mown tracts. Plants and shrubs are relatively cheap and can always be replanted and easily moved. A reduced emphasis on park maintenance could also help, e.g. retain some unmown areas and facilitation of a 'rougher' setting as described above. A balance obviously needs to be struck between creating interesting spatial arrangements of plants and providing so much planting that owners lose sight of their dog in free running areas. Planting can be used to help define different access zones in a park.
Planting is also useful as a screening device and for shade and shelter.
Plant selection should emphasise durable plant materials. Features that add to the sense of interest and challenge include ramps, hurdles, tyres, tipped logs, boulders and other agility exercises. These can usually be provided at minimal expense. Movement should be sought wherever possible to enhance the dog's enjoyment of the park by provision of moving objects and choice of vegetation that moves in the wind. Sandpits, while ideal for dogs are not encouraged because of their inevitable attraction to children.