Bark Park In El Paso

Bark Park lark: Upgrades to new area will include bleachers
By Michael Hernandez / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 03/13/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


Natalie Rodriguez, 10, urged her teacup Chihuahua, Cocoa, through an obstacle at Album Park on Tuesday. The 27,000-square-foot play area for pooches is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. As debuts at the Bark Park go, Cocoa, a tea-cup Chihuahua, was a bit shy exploring the oversized playground at Album Park on Tuesday as he kept his distance from the larger dogs who rambled nearby.

"He likes to run around so I'll bring him back again," Natalie Rodriguez, 10, said before scooping up a trembling Cocoa. "I want him to come play again and maybe jump through some of the things here."

As the city's only recreational spot for dogs, the 27,000-square-foot patch of land on the western end of Album Park, 3110 Parkwood, has attracted many pooches in the six months it has been open, pet owners said.

The Bark Park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Ruby Gavilanes watched Leo, her 9-month-old Boxer, race around the Bark Park and sniff out new friends.

She said the fenced-in square is a popular spot for dogs and their owners to socialize.

"People here have introduced themselves to us and told us what day and time they bring their dogs, so they can have little play dates," said Gavilanes, a resident of Far East El Paso.

Security lighting and bleachers so that dog owners can have a place to sit have been planned as upgrades for the Dog Park, city officials said.

Pet owners have said they like the new location of the Bark Park. A previous version of the recreational spot was closed after city officials determined it was in a flood plain at Album Park and contributing to dangerous bacteria, including E. coli, that was found in park's ponding area after heavy rain.

Gavilanes' husband, David, said El Paso should look to build more Bark Parks.

"I can't believe this is the only one," he said.

Michael D. Hernandez may be reached at mhernandez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6151.