What is a bark park?

A "bark park" or "dog park" is a public park where people can exercise, socialize and play with their pets off-leash.

Community parks cater to pursuits as diverse as soccer, softball, swimming, and skateboarding. Off-leash dog areas or “dog parks” now can be added to the list, as areas dedicated to dog-and-owner exercise, socialization and play have become one of the most often requested park facilities across the country. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association reports that about 40% of U.S. households own one or more dogs, with western states maintaining even higher numbers of dog ownership than the national average (APPMA 2004). While baseball fields and tennis courts can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to build and are only used seasonally, a well-equipped dog park can cost a fraction of that total, is relatively easily maintained and can be used by a wide range of taxpaying citizens every day, all year round.

Bannock Bark Parks: SE Idaho needs dog parks, too!

The latest:
March 14, 2008....The snow is melting and spring is in the air...and there's dog poop everywhere! Gross, people. If you need reminding, then pick up after your dog! No excuses! If you don't need reminding, thank you for being a responsible dog owner and clean watershed citizen.

As ever, we're trying to raising money to build Bannock County's first fenced dog park at Capell Park in Chubbuck. We have raised over $3,000 of the $20,000 we need to purchase and install the fencing, sign, and landscaping. ISU offered to donate used 5' chain link mesh for our fence, but the materials were not "park standard" according to the City of Chubbuck. Too bad. Thank you anyway, ISU! Onward and upward.

We're looking for more corporate sponsors. Thanks to PetCo and WalMart's local Grassroots Employee Organization for their support of almost $2000 so far.

Volunteer needs (as of March 14, 2008):

Members for Board of Directors (networking and fundraising!)
Volunteer and membership coordinator