KENTWOOD, MI — Everything from a dog agility course to a photo booth are planned for the annual Bark for the Park event.
The highlight of the event, which is designed to raise money for the Kellogg Woods dog park, is the doggy fashion show.
Back for its third annual event, the Bark for the Park fundraiser is set for May 18 to raise funds for new amenities for pups and owners alike to enjoy.
The event is dog-friendly for its canine constituents from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 275 Kellogg Woods Park Drive SE. While admission is free, financial donations are accepted to help raise the funds that the dog park needs.
Participants at the fundraiser will be able to explore pet vendors, as well as a pet craft station, a photo booth, and an agility course.
The special evening event includes a doggy fashion show where the crowd favorite will win a gift basket for their pup.
“It is kind of like the heart of the event,” McKellar said. “We’ll get the dogs lined up in the parade… in front of everybody. Last year, we had some people get really into it where some of the dogs had their fur painted bright colors. We had one dog dressed up like a taco, which was really fun.”
New additions include a food truck for desserts, bringing in Dune Buggy for dinner options of burgers and fries, and Underground Cookie Club for ice cream and sweet treats.
Spencer McKellar, Kentwood’s lead recreation program coordinator, said the first Bark for the Park fundraiser raised $2,500, then in 2022, raised $4,000. McKellar said they are hoping to raise $5,000 for additions to the park this year.
“Having a dedicated event to bring in new people to our community and show them what we have to offer is a great opportunity,” McKellar said.
Organizers are aiming to raise money for a new shade structure for the park. McKellar said he believes that the dog park is lacking a cool spot for both people and dogs.
Around eight years ago, severe weather came through Kentwood and knocked down the park’s tall, mature trees, leaving them with no natural shade for the park.
“We planted new trees, but it’s going to take years and years before they can provide any real shade,” McKellar said. “People get really hot, dogs get really hot playing and running around in the dog park, so we’re hoping to provide some shelter and shade for them.”
McKellar said the Kellogg Woods dog park is heavily used by Kentwood residents, having a place where dogs and their owners can socialize with other animals and people.
“We put a lot of time into playgrounds, sports fields and things like that for the humans within our community, but this is really a place that we can provide for a safe, fun place for the animals to come out to as well,” McKellar said.
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