Dog Parks - Good or Bad?

Some people frown upon the idea of dog parks.  I've heard from people that they would never consider a dog park for their dog for various reasons.  I've been told it's dirty, it's full of germs, some dogs are mean and vicious, it's unkempt, some dog owners are weird and strange, some dogs aren't vaccinated,  it takes too much time out of the day, and it's simply too much work because your dog gets too dirty and that means cleaning time.

Ralphie goes to the dog park regularly, about three to five times a week.  

Here are my thoughts...
Yes, dog parks are dirty with sand, dirt, gravel ... and Ralphie loves dirt!
Yes, dog parks have germs ... there are germs and viruses everywhere!
Yes, some dogs are misbehaved ... I've never come across a vicious, life-threatening dog ... however dogs are unpredictable and as a dog owner it is our responsibility to watch and protect our own pet.
Yes, sometimes there are some poops in the park giving you the feel it's unkempt.  There's also poops in my neighbors' yards when I walk Ralphie. Some parks are maintained better than others ... I go to the best maintained dog parks.
Yes, some dog owners are strange and weird ... but that's what makes it fun too!  People are very interesting and amusing!  It's entertainment in itself!
Yes, some dogs are not vaccinated.  Unfortunately this is true but you cannot control how people care for their pets.  Wild animals, like squirrels, rabbits, birds etc. that Ralphie may encounter on his walks are not vaccinated either.
Yes, it does take time to take Ralphie to the dog park. As a pet owner it is our responsibility to exercise our dog daily to be healthy and happy.  I simply relax and savor that couple of hours of down time while Ralphie is playing and running.
Yes, Ralphie is a ball of dirt after the dog park! But it's all so worth it while driving home listening to him snoring in the back seat of the car! A good dog is a tired dog.  All it takes is a little hosing down, some baby wipes, and a dry towel ... Ralphie is clean again and good as new!

Raphie playing with a 5 month Labradoodle ... you tell me, don't you think they're happy?  This is what a puppy needs, socialization and exercise.  They had so much fun!!