Bark Park: A place where your dog can run free!

When Rogers City asked people what they were looking for in new and improved park facilities, one of the more frequent responses was a "Bark Park."  Per City Ordinance, pets are not allowed to roam free in the City, but must be under the control of the owner at all times.  Most people walk their dogs on a leash; however, people who love their doggies want to be able to take off the leash and let the dog run free.  This can be done in a Bark Park: a controlled environment where the dogs can run, but can not run away.    The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed this item, included it in the Community Recreation Plan, and now we are putting together a plan to create a Bark Park at the location of the Public Works Park (next to the Wastewater Treatment Facility).

Since funding is very tight, Roger Wenzel, the Director of Public Works, found some unused, City owned fencing.  Built with Department of Public Works (DPW) labor, the proposed Bark Park will provide an area 100 feet long by 50 feet wide for dogs to run free.  With two access gates, the Bark Park will be accessible from either the Sunrise Trail side or First Street.  There will be trash receptacles and doggie doo bag dispensers at each gate.  Per City Ordinance, owners are responsible to clean up after their pets.

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the Bark Park plan at its next meeting, at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.  Please plan to attend if you have a comment or suggestion.