Bark Park opens at Fairview

Bark Park opens at Fairview Park

Off-leash dog woods celebrated with treat-breaking ceremony

By Andrea Iglar

Wilson bounded around the picnic shelter, fluffy tail in the air.

Leslie Kaucic's 6-year-old golden retriever was one of the first dogs to visit the off-leash Bark Park when it opened in May at Fairview Park in South Fayette.

Leslie Kaucic of South Fayette enjoys a wooded path with golden retriever Wilson.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

“He likes the trail style,” Kaucic said. “It’s a different type of dog park, and he really enjoys it like this.”

Bark Park includes 5 acres of woods and a 1-mile loop trail with paved and gravel paths. The entrance is double-gated, and the entire area is subtly fenced.

Amenities include the shelter, waste stations, and water fountains for people and pooches.

Mike Milteer, left, and Mair Milteer exit Bark Park with Cutch, a Doberman, in May.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

For small dogs, a separately fenced section within the Bark Park will open in the fall, once the grass grows.

The dog park is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and it does not require a permit or fee.

The Bark Park name refers both to the woof of a dog and the covering of a tree.

More than 2,200 people and dogs visited during its first month.

Gloria Burnett, left, and her dog, Cooper, socialize with Parks and Recreation Board member Mary Chambon and Ben, a long-haired mini dachshund.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

The township invited humans and dogs to explore Bark Park during a grand opening celebration May 4 that included dog-themed music and vendors, paw-shaped cookies for humans and bone-shaped treats for dogs.

Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, township officials broke a giant homemade dog treat and fed pieces to Cody and Cole, the animal companions of Dominique Robinson of South Fayette.

South Fayette resident Dominique Robinson, right, holds the leash of her dog Cody, a Labrador mix, as he bites into an oversize dog treat during the Bark Park grand opening ceremony at Fairview Park. Participants include, from left, Keith Dernosek, Gwen Rodi and Rebecca Sray of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners and Jason Mount of the Parks and Recreation Board.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

After the treat-breaking, Robinson took the 3-year-old Labrador mix littermates into the Bark Park.

“This is the first time they’ve been able to roam in a large, open space,” she said. “They got a great workout.”

Paula Willis, the South Fayette Parks and Recreation Director, said the community asked for a unique dog park rather than a typical grass square because people value Fairview Park’s trees and natural elements.

At Bark Park, she said, “You’re enjoying the outdoors, but your dog is still safe within the fenced-in area, and other park users are also safe.”

Cody laps water from a dog fountain at Bark Park.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Bark Park replaces the former hilltop off-leash dog zone at Fairview Park. Dogs must be leashed in all parts of township parks, except inside Bark Park, where dogs can run freely. Users enter at their own risk and must follow the posted rules.

The free-run dog woods was outlined in the 2019 Comprehensive Recreation Plan, which included public input. The area is designed to retain a barrier-free feel while adding amenities and the security of a fence.

Bark Park has 5 acres of fenced woods and paths where dogs can run free. Amenities include a picnic shelter, waste stations, and water fountains for people and pooches.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Becca Delaney, visiting with pets Flynn Ryder and Ellie, liked that the dogs could run around in a large, stimulating natural environment with trees and logs, rather than just her fenced-in backyard. “It’s like no other dog park I’ve ever been to,” she said.

Becca Delaney attends the treat-breaking ceremony with lap dog Ellie and little pup Flynn Ryder.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Mair Milteer visited with her 5-year-old Doberman, Cutch—named for baseball outfielder Andrew McCutchen.

“It’s a much needed and much appreciated place,” she said.

Steve Mack visited with his 10-month-old French bulldog, Louie, who played well with Cutch despite their size difference.

Doreen Hurley of neighboring Upper St. Clair brought her 7-year-old dog Winnie. “Most dog parks are just square, but this one has trails to walk around,” she said.

Kylo Ren explores a wooded path at Bark Park in June.

Photo by Colleen Patel

Jason Mount, president of the South Fayette Parks and Recreation Board, thanked community members for contributing to a crowdfunding account for Bark Park benches.

Bark Park is the first new feature to open at the Mayview redevelopment site, which formerly housed part of Mayview State Hospital. The overall project also will include a splash pad, pavilion, permanent restrooms, three ball fields with artificial-turf infield, and a park entrance from Mayview Road.

“When this whole project is done, Fairview Park is really going to be something that stands out, not just for the residents, but also their furry friends,” Willis said.

Bark Park at Fairview Park: 129 Greenwood Drive, South Fayette. Follow the signs to Bark Park.

Details: southfayettepa.com/dogs.

Cody, left, and Cole run free at Bark Park.

Photo by Andrea Iglar