MOUNT VERNON — On Sunday, the Knox County Park District dedicated its newly built Bark Park. This two-acre fenced area allows unleashed dogs to run, play and experience the outdoors. However, the canine must be socially adept before being allowed to run loose.
“In the summer of 2006, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources held statewide meetings all over the place with recreation managers and experts in parks, to ascertain what are some of the recreational trends we’re seeing; what are some of the things the public is really asking for,” said Kim Marshall, director of the KCPD. “And one of the items that came up was dog parks, and they are getting more popular all over the country.”
In January 2007, the park district applied for an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Nature Works Grant; it was awarded the grant later that year. The process began this year to design and construct the dog park.
“We want to take the opportunity to thank our partners who really worked hard to make this nearly two-acre dog park happen,” said Marshall. “Our local partners — in particular, our local Kwanis and the Rotary clubs — because without their support we will could not have pulled this off.”
Many individual partners contributed through support, donations and volunteering time to help make the dog park possible.
The dog park has agility equipment, a doggy water tub and benches located throughout the arena. It is open for use by the public, as well as specialty canine programs.
“We are also excited to know that 4-H clubs that deal with canine obedience are coming out to use the doggy agility equipment as a part of their 4-H experience, which we love to hear about,” said Marshall. “We certainly ask that people come out to enjoy the Bark Park.”
“Wonderful facility,” said Roger Robertson, a Mount Vernon resident who brought Maggie, his 4-year-old Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, to the dog park.
Robertson said that out West there are many dog parks that offer more acreage and other features.
“But this one is really nice,” he said. “I am so glad to see it built so well, and the people using it are taking good care of it.”
“I like it,” said Erica Malone of Mount Vernon. “I think it is a good thing when there are not a lot of dogs.”
“I think this is really good,” said Andy Willer of Mount Vernon. “I used to take my dog to the park by Dan Emmett Schools, but people put up signs saying no pets or bikes on the fields. It’s good to see animal-oriented things.”
