About Us

Who We Are: We are a volunteer group of Newtown resident dog lovers who joined forces in 2009 in order to establish an official off-leash dog park here in Newtown. The town has provided us with a parcel of land and we have currently raised over $31,000 through the donations of our loyal and enthusiastic supporters, as well as through our major annual fundraising events, Strutt Your Mutt and Howl-O-Ween.

In 2012, our efforts were further boosted by the extremely generous bequests of two late Newtown residents, Frances Hair and Hazel Bouchard. As part of their $2 million legacy to benefit the animals of Newtown, Park and Bark was awarded $171,368 for costs associated with completing the dog park.

Mission & Vision: Now that we have established funding for our park, our mission is to create a well-designed dog park for the enjoyment of Newtown residents as well as to continue fund-raising events to provide the resources for ongoing maintenance of the park.

Our slightly-larger-than-two-acre land parcel is on Old Farms Road, off Wasserman Way, adjacent to the new Brian J. Silverlieb Animal Care and Control Center and across the road from the Governor’s Horse Guard.

Features planned for the park include two fenced play areas—a large general play space and a smaller separate section for smaller, older and more timid dogs

Availability of drinking water, shade structures and trees, and benches will provide a safe and comfortable environment for human and canine park visitors.

And because it’s important to us that dogs have fun and stimulation, our plans include agility course elements and other special features.

Where We Stand: Park construction is set to commence in spring 2013 and will involve land clearing, leveling, and seeding, installation of fencing, the various park structures and a parking area. Our projected opening is fall 2013.

Proposed Location: Currently, our proposed site is an unused two-acre field on Old Farms Rd, off Wasserman Way, adjacent to the proposed new municipal dog pound, across the street from the existing Governor’s Horse Guard (see map). Currently undergoing soil testing. This site might require some clearing, leveling and seeding before fence installation. Water is available onsite, with minor plumbing enhancements required.

Park and Bark Site Plan

Park Maintenance: Once established, Parks & Recreation has agreed to perform annual lawn maintenance and weekly trash removal. Park & Bark volunteers will refill bag dispensers, post updates to bulletin boards, and assist with fundraising for new projects or maintenance, as needed. Dog owners will be responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and filling in any holes dug by their dog (biodegradable “mutt mitts” and topsoil will be provided onsite).

Why does Newtown need a Dog Park? There are currently 1,850 dogs registered in Newtown. Today, dogs are prohibited from entering town parks, and must be leashed on all public property. Official dog parks offer residents an opportunity to exercise and socialize their dogs in a safe and secure park setting, while getting to know other dog lovers in town. Over 40 Connecticut towns now have dog parks. Some towns have found them so popular, that they are adding a second and third!