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Did you know...
The dog was one of the first animals domesticated by humans.
Mosaics meaning "Beware the Dog" would be found on doorsteps in
ancient Roman cities.
The world's first dog show was held in Britain in 1859.
People in ancient China stayed warm by carrying toy breeds in their sleeves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bark Park Central
» What is Bark Park Central?
» Where is Bark Park Central located?
» What are Bark Park Central's hours?
» Who owns Bark Park Central and how is it funded?
» Where did the idea for Park Bark Central come from?
» How can I help build and enhance Bark Park Central?
Off-Leash Dog Parks
» What is an off-leash dog park?
» Are all dog parks off-leash facilities?
» Are there other dog parks around the country?
» Are there other dog parks in Texas?
» Are all dog parks publicly owned?
What is Bark Park Central?
Bark Park Central is a City of Dallas park on the edge of Deep Ellum securely fenced to allow dogs - and their owners - recreational opportunities free from the encumbrances of a leash.
Waste receptacles are provided in order for park visitors to dispose of their dogs’ waste and keep the park user-friendly.
Additional amenities are planned for the park.
What are Bark Park Central's hours??
Bark Park Central is open Tuesday through Sunday, 5 am to 12 midnight.
The park is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Where is Bark Park Central located?
Bark Park Central is located at the southwestern corner of the intersection of Good-Latimer Expressway and Commerce Streets -- underneath the elevated portion of US75.
Who can use Bark Park Central?
Everyone who owns a dog - and their friends. The park was designed for the public use without any restrictions.
Who owns Bark Park Central and how is it funded?
Bark Park Central is a city park, owned and operated by the City of Dallas through the Park and Recreation Department.
The City provided the land, which they maintain pursuant to an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation.
The bulk of the development funds for the park were provided by donations from the private sector.
Funds for ongoing maintenance of the park are provided primarily through private donations; however, the Dallas Park and Recreation Department will provide maintenance funding equal to the level expended prior to the development of Bark Park Central.
Responsibility for daily maintenance and cleaning of the park is divided between the Deep Ellum Property Improvement District, the Downtown Improvement District and the Park Department.
This arrangement represents a joint public/private partnership that has proven successful in other ventures.
Where did the idea for Bark Park Central come from?
There are off-leash dog parks across the country, including a very popular spot at Mockingbird Point on White Rock Lake here in Dallas.
Deep Ellum community leaders Barry Annino and Jennifer Selzer spearheaded the efforts to bring Bark Park Central to Deep Ellum.
Many people and organizations worked together to develop Bark Park Central. The Deep Ellum Public Improvement District, Downtown Improvement District, Farmer’s Market TIF as well as community leaders and local residents from the three area neighborhoods provided financial and volunteer support.
How can I help build and enhance Bark Park Central?
Getting the park built and opened was only the first step. Funds for maintenance and improvements are a necessity.
If you would like to offer your financial support, services, or time, please contact Barry Annino at 214.748.4332 or click here to send an email.
You can also use our Contact page to submit general questions about the dog park and website.
Off-Leash Dog Parks
What is an off-leash dog park?
A dog park is a defined, fenced area in which dogs can run and play off-leash. These parks provide recreational benefits to both dogs and humans.
Are all dog parks off-leash facilities?
No. There are many variations on the dog park theme. Some dog parks do not allow off-leash uses.
In some cases, “people” parks become designated as “dog” parks simply because they are “dog friendly.”
Are there other dog parks around the country?
There are literally hundreds of dog parks around the country. Most parks are located in urban areas (Manhattan has 12); however some dog parks have been setup in non-urban and recreational areas (e.g. Padre Island).
Canada is reported to have in excess of 400 dog parks within its borders (63 in Ontario alone.)
Many cities, even those of relatively moderate size, have included the included of dog parks into there future development plans. For instance, Fort Collins, Colorado – a city of approximately 125,000 located about 50 miles north of Denver, has established a plan to construct at least four dog parks throughout the city.
Are there other dog parks in Texas?
The dog park concept is catching on in Texas. Although the exact number statewide is hard to accurately establish, there are at least 22 dog parks currently operating in Texas.
Austin leads the state in terms of the number of dog parks with 12.
In the Dallas area, there is a very popular dog park at Mockingbird Point on White Rock Lake. There is also a dog park in North Plano.
There is a fundraising effort underway to build GarlandBarkPark in Garland, Texas.
Are all dog parks publicly owned?
No. While most dog parks are publicly owned, many are privately operated, which means they have their own rules regarding required vaccinations, behavior etc.