SEBASTIAN — Several dozen dogs and their human companions trekked out to the Sebastian Bark Park Saturday morning to take part in the park’s second birthday bash. The dogs chased each other around, sniffed at the trees and water fountain and splashed in the doggie pools to stay cool.
“We can tolerate it,” MC Jim “Sunny” Sunnycalb said of the heat.
Two years ago, the Sebastian Bark Park opened with few amenities and less grass. Sod has finally taken root and has filled out most of the park off Keen Terrace – that is, when the dogs aren’t digging.
The City of Sebastian has plans to build a permanent restroom facility at the park, which encompasses more than the two fenced in dog areas. A playground is also in the works, as is a walking trail along the nearby pond.
“This is not just a dog park,” Sunnycalb said, “but a park for everybody.”
Bruce Scharman said it was a happy coincidence he and his pooch, Scharman, came out to the park on its birthday. He said they don’t normally get out to the park during the hotter months.
When it’s cooler, though, they come out a couple times a week.
“She’s happier than usual,” Scharman said of his Boxer-English Bulldog mix, explaining that there were more dogs at the park than she’s used to.
“I’m so happy to come here and let my dog run free,” he said.
The Scharmans live near the George Street Park but make the trip to the dog park so Scharman the dog can chase the squirrels without the hindrance that is the leash.
“We’re so happy everyone enjoys the park,” City Manager Al Minner told the audience during the birthday festivities, recalling that it took several years for the park to become a reality and that it has grown through the efforts of the volunteers.
Newcomer to Sebastian Brad Spivack said he never would have moved to Sebastian if not for the dog park. When he was looking to leave Eugene, Ore., he got on the Internet and searched for cities with dog parks – and up popped Sebastian.
“This is such a special place,” Spivack said of Sebastian’s Bark Park.
Moving to a place with such a park was essential to Spivack, he said, because of his rescued retired Greyhound, Rico, who had been abused before.
“I have dedicated my efforts to his happiness,” Spivack said while Rico lounged in a patch of shade.
Greyhounds, like other high energy dogs, do best in a fenced area, Spivack said because otherwise they could take off running and keep on going.
Having the Bark Park, too, is expected to help Rico improve his doggie social skills, which – being a racer – have gone undeveloped, Spivack said.
“We’re regulars here,” Sarah Gunter said, nodding to her rescued Australian Cattle Dog-Terrier mix Zoe who was more interested mingling with the other dogs than coming when she called.
Gunter said if not for the park, she’d have taken Zoe to her family’s home to play with their dogs. At the park, not only does Zoe get to meet new dogs, but Gunter, too, meets new people.
“It’s something to do in the summer,” she added, taking in fresh air and sunshine.