More Dog Parks May Be Added

Tulsa dog owners are howling for more parks for their best friends.  The city opened its first dog park this past weekend, and now plans for two more are in the works.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports one of the proposed sites is just east of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

The area is nearly five acres and dog lovers say it would be the perfect spot for their pets.

Plenty of dogs had their day this past weekend at the new Joe Station Bark Park.  Located on Charles Page Boulevard, it was opened to the public on Saturday.  An estimated 300 dogs showed up to test out the fenced-in facility, and they all seemed to get along.

"It was a huge success.  It exceeded my wildest expectations.  It was unbelievable," said Ginger Rose with Tulsa Bark Park.

Tulsa Dog Park Task Force members now hope to build on the success of Bark Park's opening weekend.  They have proposed two more dog parks. One would be near 13th and Cincinnati.

The Task Force says dog lovers would love to have more options.

"Everybody is so excited.  I've heard numerous times, they've waited 10 years, waited five years.  They can't believe this didn't happen sooner," said Ginger Rose with Tulsa Bark Park.

The proposed site was discussed during a meeting with residents Tuesday evening.  The Task Force did not run into much resistance from those who showed up, many of whom are fans of man's best friend.

"I'm certainly glad to see something like this happen in Tulsa.  It's a good way to bring our neighbors together," said dog owner Leon Mullis.

"Dogs were well-behaved, nice facility, and we're looking forward to having another one at 13th and Cincinnati," added dog owner Royce Kelley.

The task force says judging from this past weekend's turnout, there is plenty of demand for more parks.

"Judging by the crowd out there Saturday, I would say at least two more, if not more than that," said Ginger Rose with Tulsa Bark Park.

The other proposed dog park site is Hicks Park on Mingo.  There will be meeting at Thursday evening at the Hicks Community Center to discuss that site.

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