Bark Park Closed

**hippiechick** · 02-05-2011, 06:40 PM

Does anyone know why Bark Park is closed? We sure miss it.

Tigger · 02-05-2011, 08:38 PM

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It has some thing to do with Insurance problem's..
I went to the court house and that's what I was told...
I wish we could DO SOMETHING....
If you think of anything let me know.
Tigger

**luvbug** · 02-06-2011, 10:34 AM

Oh boy, I hope they work it out and reopen. It is the only place I know of around here to take your dog so it can run free for the people who obey the leash law!

**johnb** · 02-06-2011, 10:52 AM

Perhaps a petition would make a difference. Also, I know there were financial concerns, maybe that is why insurance was a problem.

I thought a donation box would have been a way to defray some of the expenses, but never knew who to suggest it to.

If any action is to reverse this closure, a leader will have to take charge. Any volunteers or suggestions?

I'll help any way I can.

John

**luvbug** · 02-09-2011, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by johnb

Perhaps a petition would make a difference. Also, I know there were financial concerns, maybe that is why insurance was a problem.

I thought a donation box would have been a way to defray some of the expenses, but never knew who to suggest it to.

If any action is to reverse this closure, a leader will have to take charge. Any volunteers or suggestions?

I'll help any way I can.

John

I think a donation box is a great idea. A petition sounds good, but if it is a money issue I am not sure it will make a difference unless we make donations (if money is the issue). I think everyone with a dog would be willing to donate something, don't you? Anyone out there good at dealing with issues like this? I will be happy to help you with it.

**DuneAHH** · 02-09-2011, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by luvbug

I think a donation box is a great idea. A petition sounds good, but if it is a money issue I am not sure it will make a difference unless we make donations (if money is the issue). I think everyone with a dog would be willing to donate something, don't you? Anyone out there good at dealing with issues like this? I will be happy to help you with it.

I'm not a dog owner or a user of the bark park... so I don't even know if you need a key or combination to gain access; but if the issue is insurance related, perhaps if user/members signed 'hold harmless' agreements...

**luvbug** · 02-09-2011, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by DuneAHH

I'm not a dog owner or a user of the bark park... so I don't even know if you need a key or combination to gain access; but if the issue is insurance related, perhaps if user/members signed 'hold harmless' agreements...

Another good idea. I'm all for it. I was wondering if someone got hurt or a dog and caused a problem with the insurance. Just speculation, but that is my thought.

**hippiechick** · 02-09-2011, 01:58 PM

Someone out there knows why Bark Park is closed. Please tell us what is going on!!!! There are a lot of dog owners who use that park daily and would like an answer!

**johnb** · 02-09-2011, 02:03 PM

Anyone know who is in charge of the Bark Park? Is there a board of directors? Are they a 501c3?

If we knew where things stood, we could organize a solution to outstanding debts, etc or at least find out if it is feasible.

I believe the insurance issue was with the take-over (friendly) by Alaqua--to the best of my knowledge there have been no injuries or other concerns.

If you know who to see representing the Park, let us know and maybe something can be done. I hate to see this resource for dog lovers lost, especially after the work that went into setting it up.

John

**Will B** · 02-09-2011, 02:27 PM

The names on the site are:

Pat Carlyle: President
Robert McCullar: Treasurer
Lori Eckert
Richard Eckert
Tommy Brantley
Giselle Brantley

Looks like the info is dated, but I'm sure a call to one of them would yeild fruit of some sort...

**scooterbug44** · 02-09-2011, 04:21 PM

I don't know if it would work as well here because of the numbers of tourists, but in my parents' area there are several dog parks and the owner pays a nominal yearly fee, signs a waiver, and gets a tag to put on the dog's collar showing they are official.

It covers any maintenance costs and solves the liability issue because all users must have signed the waiver..............and anyone who hasn't is legally not allowed on the property (a sign is required to be posted and area must have gate and fence) and thus has no grounds to sue.

**luvbug** · 02-09-2011, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by johnb

Anyone know who is in charge of the Bark Park? Is there a board of directors? Are they a 501c3?

If we knew where things stood, we could organize a solution to outstanding debts, etc or at least find out if it is feasible.

I believe the insurance issue was with the take-over (friendly) by Alaqua--to the best of my knowledge there have been no injuries or other concerns.

If you know who to see representing the Park, let us know and maybe something can be done. I hate to see this resource for dog lovers lost, especially after the work that went into setting it up.

John

It is nice that you are so concerned and you don't own a dog. Obviously you like the little critters though. Thank you for trying to help the people that do have dogs and need a safe place for them to run free. First we need to find out what the problem is and then we can try to resolve it. Whatever it is I hope with all of us involved we can find a solution.

**MRBS** · 02-09-2011, 09:03 PM

E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center to go public; Bark Park closes after insurance lapse (PHOTOS) The Walton Sun

love this bark park. According to article at link, seems like insurance is the definite issue. Wonder what the premium is?

**scooterbug44** · 02-09-2011, 10:49 PM

The Sun article makes it sound like the issue is solved, that it's just closed temporarily until the Alaqua insurance "officially" kicks in.

Though you'd think if that was the only issue, a sign saying "we will reopen on "x" day would be an easy way to let folks know.

**Will B** · 02-10-2011, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

The Sun article makes it sound like the issue is solved, that it's just closed temporarily until the Alaqua insurance "officially" kicks in.

Though you'd think if that was the only issue, a sign saying "we will reopen on "x" day would be an easy way to let folks know.

That's how I read it, too. Boy, I hope so. Our new Redbone Coonhound goes bonkers there...

**scooterbug44** · 02-10-2011, 04:44 PM

Per Laurie, they are still sorting out the details of Alaqua taking over the Bark Park with the county.

Nothing is definite yet, and as always, they can really use your donations to keep Alaqua going and (if it happens) to cover the costs of the Bark Park operation.

**NotDeadYet** · 02-12-2011, 12:43 PM

Sounds like Alaqua might need money in order to take over Bark Park.

Bark Park's future uncertain as it closes over insurance lapse | park, sarah, moss - WaltonSun.com

**scooterbug44** · 02-12-2011, 05:01 PM

Sounds like the insurance is $$$ and is making the financials hard to swing.

**heartbren** · 02-15-2011, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Per Laurie, they are still sorting out the details of Alaqua taking over the Bark Park with the county.

Nothing is definite yet, and as always, they can really use your donations to keep Alaqua going and (if it happens) to cover the costs of the Bark Park operation.

What if they started donations from people who go to the Bark Park that would just be put toward the park? I think everyone who uses it and probably some who don't but want to help would probably be more than willing to donate money toward the insurance. Maybe if everyone donates a certain amount on a yearly basis or monthly, they could raise the money. I would be more than willing and I don't go there as much as I should with my little guy. What does everybody think?