Parks for pooches

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Posted: October 6, 2009 at 3:01 p.m.

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Is the family pooch tired of being cooped up in an apartment or having only having a tiny yard in which to play?

In recent years, cities across Northwest Arkansas have constructed five dog parks and off-leash areas to help shut-in pups run free, and two more are on the way.

The area's first and largest dog park opened in 2005 at Massard Road and Louisville Street in Fort Smith.

The 30-acre off-leash area is near the city's airport and was the brainchild of Kent Penny, a former Fort Smith parks and recreation director. Penny hails from a Nebraska town where dog parks were popular.

The Fort Smith park features a pond, where canines can swim and bathe themselves; a "mutt mitt" station for owners to clean up after their pets; double gates for leashing and unleashing dogs; and benches where owners can relax while their dogs play.

"When I drive by, there are usually quite a few cars there," said Mike Alsup, the current parks and recreation director. "We have small yards here in Fort Smith, and dogs enjoy being off their leashes and being able to run and play for a while."

Also built in 2005, Ryan Murphy Dog Park in Rogers features an area for small dogs, a common area and a training area. The park was the idea of 27-year-old Ryan Murphy, a dog lover who died of colon cancer in 2004.

The park is an extension of the neighboring Humane Society for Animals and charges a $5 annual fee.

The Rogers park is unique in that it has a canine jungle gym and a swimming pool, and toys are provided. The park also hosts holiday events including an annual doggy Easter egg hunt and Howl-0-Ween, a trick-or-treat event for dogs.

"We're still in the learning phase, so we try something and if that doesn't work, we try something else," said Clayton Morgan of the Humane Society.

The most recent addition to the dog park scene is the Bentonville Bark Park on North Walton Boulevard near its intersection with U.S. 71.

The 1.3-acre park has areas for small and large dogs and an agility course with tunnels, slides and ramps. The park features benches for owners and a nearby walking trail. Permanent restrooms and water fountains for both dogs and their owners are in the works.

"We have a nice backyard," says Kelsey Etheridge of Bella Vista, a first-time visitor to the Bark Park. "We brought our dogs here for a change, to let them run a little more. If you lived in an apartment or had a small backyard, this would be great."

Neighboring Bella Vista will soon have its own dog park. A joint project by the Bella Vista Animal Shelter and the Property Owners Association, the 1-acre park will be built near the Loch Lomond sports fields.

Plans call for benches, lots of shady, tree-covered play space, pet-bathing stations and a pavilion. Dogs will get to play on old fire hydrants once used by the Bella Vista Village Fire Department. Five-foot fences are planned for the small-dog area, while the large-dog area will have 6-foot fences. Both will be paid for by funds raised by the animal shelter.

In Fayetteville, there are two off-leash areas - one at Lake Wilson and one next to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter at 1640 Armstrong St. Plans are in the works to build a 3.2-acre dog park at Bryce Davis Park, 1595 N. Dartmouth Ave.

Existing off-leash areas allow dogs to run free and play, but the new facility at Bryce Davis Park also will include an agility course and a dog-bathing station. A $30,000 grant from Procter & Gamble will pay for the park.

The future park is a result of residents' requests, said city parks planner Allison Jumper.

"Our current dog park at the animal shelter is very basic and small," she said. "For the most part, it is a function of the animal shelter, used when the dogs there need to be exercised."

Jumper said that the city hopes to have a dog park in every city ward someday.

Insider Tips

1. Scoop the poop: Always be sure to clean up after your dog. Most dog parks have supplies for this, but some don't, so it's a good idea to bring your own.
2. Bring water: Dog parks with running water are few, so it's a good idea to bring water for both you and your dog.
3. Keep an eye on your pooch: Make sure you know where your dog is, not only because it might make mischief, but also to ensure its safety.
4. Discipline your dog: No one enjoys unruly children, and the same is true with pets. Keep your dog in line.
5. Call in sick: Sick dogs are prohibited at most dog parks, and for good reason. Canine illnesses spread easily and can be difficult to treat.
6. Keep it closed: Always be sure to keep gates closed. This will keep both your dog and other dogs safe.
7. Keep it clean: Leave the park with all the toys, water bottles and other items that you brought in. A clean park is more enjoyable for everyone.
8. Fill holes: It's a good idea to fill any holes your dog might dig. This reduces the risk of injury to you or other dog owners.
9. Bring treats: These can be useful in training dogs on an agility course or as a reward when they play well with others.
10. Let dogs run free: Dog parks are designed to provide a place run and play off-leash. It's good to let dogs do so as long as they aren't causing trouble.

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