Emery Barnes Dog Park
When a public off-leash park sees thousands of paws and footsteps a week, the surface underfoot has to do more than look good. At Emery Barnes Dog Park in downtown Vancouver, the design team specified ROMEX Profi Deko resin-bound aggregate to deliver a permeable, accessible, and visually integrated pathway system that could stand up to year-round use in a coastal climate. The bonded aggregate surfacing replaced conventional hardscape options that would have struggled with drainage, freeze-thaw stress, and the wear patterns unique to a high-traffic civic dog park.
PRODUCT SELECTION
ROMEX Profi Deko was specified for its combination of structural performance and design flexibility. The system uses a UV-stable, non-yellowing resin that locks natural aggregate into a permeable matrix, holding its color and bond strength through repeated freeze-thaw cycles. For a public park environment, three properties drove the selection. First, the resin cures to a chemically inert state, which was non-negotiable for a space where dogs make incidental contact with the surface daily. Second, the bonded matrix delivers high tensile strength with minimal aggregate loss, eliminating the loose stone migration that plagues conventional decomposed granite or unbonded gravel paths. Third, the open void structure allows water to pass directly through the surface into the substrate below, supporting the City of Vancouver‘s stormwater management priorities without the need for additional drainage infrastructure.
The installation thickness was set at two inches, the recommended depth for commercial and high-traffic public applications, providing the structural depth needed to handle pedestrian loads and occasional maintenance vehicle access. Aggregate selection focused on natural tones that would read as an extension of the surrounding landscape rather than an applied surface treatment.
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT NEEDS
The landscape architecture team faced a layered set of design and performance requirements. Accessibility was the first priority. The new surface needed to meet universal access standards, providing a smooth, even path for wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility aids without the loose material or surface irregularity that disqualifies most natural-look options. At the same time, the surface needed to remain fully permeable to support the park’s stormwater strategy and prevent the puddling that compromises both usability and material longevity.
Durability presented its own challenge. Off-leash dog parks generate wear patterns that differ significantly from standard pedestrian paths, with concentrated activity at entrances, gathering points, and transitions. The surface needed to resist abrasion from claws, frequent washing, and seasonal moisture without breaking down or losing aggregate.
Substrate conditions added complexity. The base consisted of compacted three-quarter-inch clear crush with localized concrete pads, requiring different preparation approaches across the project area. Loose and unstable legacy material had to be removed and the base regraded and recompacted, with edge restraints installed to define the pathway geometry. Concrete sections required cleaning and priming to ensure adhesion. The team also needed to detail around mature trees, fixtures, and existing landscape features without disturbing root zones or established plantings.
A final consideration emerged after the initial pour. The rounded aggregate profile selected for its visual appeal produced a surface that was more slippery than desired when wet, a meaningful concern in a rain-driven climate where the path would be saturated for weeks at a time.
PROJECT SOLUTION
The slip-resistance issue was resolved through a corrective application that demonstrates the adaptability of the ROMEX system. The installation team developed a silica sand and ROMEX Profi Deko resin mixture, applied as a thin top coat over the cured surface and rolled to an even texture. The treatment introduced the micro-texture needed to break surface tension and provide grip in wet conditions, without altering the visual character of the path or compromising permeability. Traction improved measurably, and the corrected surface has performed reliably through subsequent wet seasons.
Bonded aggregate surfacing in a high-traffic dog park
Vancouver, BC, Canada
2025
Commercial
