BarkPark on Meridian

BarkPark is more than just a dog park. It's an innovative subscription-based "third place" for dogs and their people. Bark & Co., the same company that makes BarkBox, chose Nashville as the first place to try the concept, which mixes together a dog park, coffee shop, and dog-friendly event space. Closed in the winter, the park isn't really an alternative to other local dog parks that are open year-round and don't charge fees. But it's a great place for people who want to share a unique social experience with their dog and other dog-loving friends.

The fee structure at BarkPark makes it a better deal for local folks who can buy a season pass. To get in to BarkPark, you'll need to pay $19 for a day pass, $28 for a weekly pass, $49 for a monthly pass, or $78 for a season pass, which gives you daily access to the park from the time it opens in the spring to when it closes down for the winter. BarkPark patrons have access to a coffee shop, human bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and comfortable, covered places to sit, including two concrete tubes with benches and tables bolted to the ceiling. The dog-friendly design allows pups to run through and under the table while their people share coffee and a chat, or work on a personal project on a laptop.

The park also features a monitored open play space with access to toys, a shop that sells toys and treats, and water features like sprinklers in the summer. The open space where pups can run is mostly covered with grass. Dog-friendly events hosted by the park include movie nights, yoga classes, and beer tastings. BarkPark has a BYOB policy, allowing people to bring their own beer or wine to sip while socializing with other people and dogs. Bring some water for your thirsty pup, and clean up bags too!

If you want to treat yourself and your dog to a unique experience, or plan a dog-friendly get together with other two-legged or four-legged friends, be sure to check out this unique social hub.