Maggie's Bark Park

Anyone who has ever been to a dog park knows that they generally follow a certain pattern. They are generally well-fenced, cleared areas with room for a dog to run. Generally, the authority who manages the park, often a city or county, will provide poop bags and trash cans. There may be benches and a water source for people and their dogs. Maggie's Bark Park in Franklin, Tennessee, meets all of these requirements. And then, it exceeds them. 

Maggie's Bark Park is the first off-leash dog park in the state of Tennessee. It was funded by a donation from Andrew and Karen Menzyk in memory of their Border Collie, Maggie. The park is a large park, with a quarter mile, paved walking path, and agility equipment for adult dogs. It's located next to the Williamson County Animal Control Adoption Center and hosts a lot of events to promote animal adoption.

In addition to the agility equipment, Maggie's Bark Park has a gazebo for seating as well as covered and uncovered benches. In the summer, there are a few doggie pools for hot pups to splash about in. There is an enclosure for dogs under 30 pounds and for shy dogs. Each of these features was donated by members of the community.

The grounds of Maggie's Bark Park are maintained by the county, but everything in the park and the park itself was provided through donation. It's a true act of love and it shows. The agility equipment, for instance, is obviously popular and well-used, but it is kept in good working order. It may look a little old, but the important thing is that it's safe and fun for the dogs. Although the park officially closes at dusk, there is lighting for late arrivals, and for park events that run after sundown, such as holiday parties and birthday parties.