Bark for Your Park Grantees Named

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PetSafe announced today that 25 cities across the country will receive funds for new off-leash dog park construction and existing park maintenance and upgrades as grant recipients of its 2017 PetSafe Bark for Your Park campaign.

Since the launch of its nationwide Bark for Your Park program in 2011, PetSafe has been working to create more off-leash dog parks around the country that bring like-minded members of the community together and provide a place for dogs to receive exercise and socialization.

“The goal of Bark for Your Park has always been to help communities become better places to live for people and their pets,” said Willie Wallace, CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, parent company of PetSafe. “Finding a pet-friendly community is more important than ever. Dog parks are the second must-have amenity people search for when looking for a new city to call home. Plus, proper exercise and socialization reduces behavior issues, which keeps dogs out of local shelters and rescues.”

To be considered for a grant, communities were asked to provide documentation about the park and authorization from civic leaders. PetSafe received a total of 215 applications in 2017, surpassing all other years of the program.

After a review of all applications by an internal committee, PetSafe has selected 25 communities across the country as 2017 grant recipients. The following cities will receive funding for dog park projects or commercial-grade dog park equipment from UltraSite, a PlayCore Company:

New Park Awards

• Honolulu, HI
• Kansas City, KS
• Allentown, PA
• Baker City, OR
• Big Stone Gap, VA

Park Maintenance Awards

• Birmingham, AL
• Norman, OK
• Paducah, KY
• Bowie, MD
• Moab, UT
• Florence, AZ
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Truth or Consequences, NM
• Brookhaven, NY
• University Place, WA

Park Upgrade Awards

• Columbia, MO
• Beatrice, NE
• Eastlake, OH
• Orange, CA
• Encinitas, CA
• Jacksonville, FL
• Shorewood, IL
• Bayonne, NJ
• Huntington, WV
• Columbus, IN

With the addition of 14 states added to the program with this year’s grant recipients, PetSafe has helped fund 64 off-leash dog parks in 40 states since 2011.

The application period for the 2018 Bark for Your Park grant-giving program will open again in the spring of 2018. Communities can learn more about the program and sign up to receive email notifications with important program announcements and deadline reminders at www.petsafe.com/barkforyourpark.