Update on the Bentonville Bark Park

Hey Everyone!

This article about the Bentonville Bark Park ran on Tuesday in the Benton County Record section of the Democrat Gazette. I thought dog owners might be interested to know where the progress of the Bark Park stands, so I'm re-posting it here. If you'd like to see the story from it's original source, you can visit http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/69697/

We are looking forward to being able to use the Bark Park and attend events there. As we get more information we'll post it here!

Daily Record photograph by Charles Fowler
Adam Kile and his dog Scamp were not able to enter the Bentonville Bark Park off North Walton Boulevard on Monday afternoon. The gates are locked as city officials wait for the grass to grow in the fenced area.

No dogs allowed : Bark Park remains unfinished; under lock and key until spring

By Eleanor Evans Staff Writer - eleanore@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE - The Bentonville Bark Park is being kept locked up for the time being, but that hasn't stopped dogs - and their owners - from jumping the fence.

But Bentonville Parks and Recreation Director David Wright said it's not time to open the park yet - at least not until the grass in the new park space can grow.

Dog owners have been "excited, but perhaps a little too anxious," Wright said, and the city has locked the gates to the fenced-in park pending its completion.

Wright said the fence and the entrance to the dog park have been completed, but the city must still construct a sidewalk up to the entry of the park.

"There's also an agility course that needs to be installed," Wright said.

But most importantly, the grass needs to grow in to avoid erosion in the next couple of months.

"We've got to have really good turf coverage. If we don't, eventually it will become a maintenance nightmare," Wright said.

But he promises that if owners are patient, there will be a grand opening in the spring at which the park will be unlocked and opened to the public.

"We know you're excited, and so are we, but please respect the facility for a couple more months," Wright said.

Plans for the park include the following:

· 1.3 acres of fenced lawns, trees and benches;

· One large-dog park and one small-dog park;

· An agility course; and

· Relief, water and waste stations.

For more information, visit www.bentonvillear.com and click on the "Bark Park in Progress" link from the right-side menu, or call 254-0833.