Fultondale dog owners now have a place to take their furry friends to walk and play.
The Fultondale Bark Park, located in Black Creek Park beside Children’s Park at the intersection of Stouts Road and Fulton Road, opened this week. The roughly 2-acre plot of land is divided into two sections: 10,000 square feet for small dogs and 17,500 square feet for larger dogs.
“Dogs are seen as part of the family now, and they need a place to go to have fun and socialize,” said Kara Kennedy, one of the creators of the park.
Although it could make dog-walking somewhat safer and attract dog owners that would otherwise be nervous about walking their dog in public, Kennedy said the park is intended to increase the quality of life for Fultondale residents.
“It’s certainly going to be an asset... The more the community can offer, the more attractive it becomes,” said Kennedy.
Randy Posey, who was responsible for much of the park’s design and construction, said the park is intended to be a hub for dogs, and that the city is asking people to take their dogs to the Bark Park instead of walking them in the regular area of Black Creek Park. The Bark Park has access to the creek, and has ample space for running and playing. Both Posey and Kennedy have dogs of their own, and say they are excited about taking them to the park.
“Any dog would be happier in a wide open space like that instead of being on a leash,” said Posey.
The Bark Park is the result of over a year of planning and work, including talks with Fultondale Mayor Jim Lowery and activist organization Bark for a Park. The Fultondale Bark Park is the third dog park to open in the county in the last few years.
The Bark Park is open during regular Black Creek Park hours.