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NOLA City Bark
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NOLA City Bark?
NOLA City Bark is New Orleans’ first officially designated dog park.
How did NOLA City Bark get started?
In August, 2007 by a group of dog lovers who believe that rebuilding a better New Orleans means addressing quality of life issues. In January 2008, the group was officially incorporated as NOLA City Bark, a non-profit organization run by a volunteer board of directors.
Where is NOLA City Bark located?
NOLA City Bark is a 4.6 acre plot located in beautiful City Park behind Popps Fountain. It is a block off Marconi Drive bounded by Zachary Taylor, Diagonal, and Magnolia Drives.
Why did you select that location for a dog park?
City Park is a regional park, and centrally located for all citizens in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Charles and St. Bernard Parishes to use.
Prior to Katrina, City Park had designated an area in its 2018 Master Plan to be developed as a dog park by the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA). Following Katrina, the LA/SPCA was no longer in a position to operate a dog park, but City Park was still amenable to having the region’s first-ever dog park. The location for NOLA City Bark was selected for its ease of access, wide open spaces, and feasibility for development of the vision of our dog park.
Why does New Orleans need a dog park?
Almost all cities, large and small, now have a designated dog park or designated dog play areas. According to Susyn Stecchi, author of Dog Parks USA, one family in three owns a dog, which translates to about 68 million dogs nationwide. Two-thirds of these dog owners take their dog for some sort of daily exercise.
"Some of the many benefits of enclosed dog runs/dog parks include:
• Puppies and adult dogs have a safe(r), enclosed place to play
• Enclosed play areas prevent off-leash dogs from infringing on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be fearful of dogs
• By their mere presence, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) help deter crime, and frequently act as the eyes and ears for the police
• A well-exercised dog is a happier and healthier dog
• An exercised dog makes a better next door neighbor than an under-exercised dog. Puppies and dogs which get enough exercise by playing in a dog park are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively, destroy property, jump on passers-by, etc.
• In an era where people are often reluctant or afraid to approach or converse with a complete stranger, dog parks bring people together and create a greater sense of community. Dogs help shy people "break the ice"
• People's love for dogs often creates an important common ground, which as if by magic, serves to break down otherwise impenetrable social and economic barriers. Dogs (and dog parks) are in fact responsible for many a lasting friendship between those who might never otherwise have met."-copyright Robin Kovary, 1996 & Susyn Stecchi, author of Dog Parks USA
Aren’t there other dog parks in metropolitan New Orleans?
There are other areas in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes that citizens use for off-leash dog play, and do so at the risk of receiving a citation. These areas are not fenced and do not have the safety features that NOLA City Bark will contain.
In January, 2008, the New Orleans City Council passed an ordinance designating our dog park as an official off-leash park for dogs. NOLA City Bark will operate with best practices researched around the country and hopes to be an example for other areas that may want to create a dog park.
How much will it cost to build the dog park?
Approximately $500,000.
Why is it so expensive?
• The NOLA City Bark board researched the top dog parks throughout the country to establish best practices. The best dog parks are more than a fenced yard—they contain double-gated entry areas, water fountains for pets and humans, walking trails, adequate drainage, restroom facilities, benches, shade pavilions and a water feature
• Adequate drainage in the area is crucial to the success and is expensive to address ($150,000)
• Construction costs have risen dramatically since the storm
• The area where the dog park is located is an underutilized section of the park that requires substantial site preparation to make it a desirable location
• City Park has raised its standards as it rebuilds, and we want to NOLA City Bark to be the gold standard of dog parks around the country!
Who is designing the dog park?
Ace Torre of Design Consortium, LLC. Ace has extensive experience with animal habitats. His firm designed the wonderful Mike the Tiger habitat at LSU, the Memphis Zoo, and others. Ace understands the potential problems and requirements needed when dealing with animal habitats, and is thrilled to be designing the first dog park in New Orleans.
Why can’t City Park pay for the dog park?
City Park received more than $43M in damages due to Hurricane Katrina. Its skilled work force was slashed from 240 employees to a current staff of 54. Rebuilding tasks are monumental. The park’s focus is on restoration and improvement to existing facilities. New projects cannot be implemented without the help of outside money and volunteers.
Why are donor checks made out to Friends of City Park?
While NOLA City Bark is a non-profit group, it does not have a 501c3 designation which is required in order to have donations qualify as a charitable contribution. Friends of City Park is the designated 501c3organization for City Park. It was easier and quicker for us to utilize an already existing organization to move forward with this project. Both Friends of City Park and City Park have made substantial monetary contributions to this project.
What is the difference between Friends of City Park and City Park?
City Park is a unique agency of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism operated by the non-profit City Park Improvement Association (CPIA). The land occupied by City Park is owned by the City of New Orleans.
Friends of City Park, founded in 1979, is a 501c3 support group formed to raise capital funds for City Park improvements.
Who will operate the dog park?
Staff at City Park will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the park. Revenue to pay for operations will be generated by the permit fees and by NOLA City Bark’s continued fundraising efforts.
Why is there a permit fee? Many dog parks in other cities are free.
Having a permit fee will:
• generate operating revenue for the dog park
• assure that dogs using the park are up to date on their shots
• ensure that dog owners have read the dog park rules and understand the assumed liability issues
• provide a record of dog park usage.
When will the dog park be opened?
Assuming a successful fundraising effort, we hope to have the dog park opened in early 2009.
How can I get involved or make a donation?
E-mail us: info@nolacitybark.org
Use our easy PayPal feature or send us a check. All the information you need appears on each page of our site.
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