PetSafe has chosen the 30 finalist communities to compete for dog park funds in its popular Bark for Your Park grant contest.
Locally, Smithfield, Rhode Island is among the 2021 finalists.
Celebrating 10 years in 2021, PetSafe will award prizes totaling $150,000 to 10 deserving communities.
Since introducing the program in 2011, PetSafe says in a press release that it has donated more than $1.5 million to support more than 70 off-leash dog parks in the United States. Now through August 31, 2021, anyone over the age of 18 that lives within the U.S. can vote once per day, every day for their favorite community at barkforyourpark.com.
Finalists were chosen by a panel of PetSafe judges who scored each submission on the level of enthusiasm and support for a dog park project within the community and the impact that a dog park project will have on the community. Participants entered to win funds for either a new park or to improve an existing dog park. Following the contest voting period, five communities with the highest votes will receive $25,000 for the construction of a new park and five will be awarded $5,000 to enhance their local dog parks. The 2021 finalists for each category include:
New Parks
- Binghamton, NY
- Carbondale, IL
- Churubusco, IN
- Clovis, NM
- Creston, IA
- Dell Rapids, SD
- Detroit, MI
- Diamondhead, MS
- Ebensburg, PA
- Hancock, MI
- Houma, LA
- Kansas City, KS
- LeClaire, IA
- Marianna, FL
- Milwaukee, WI
- Morrison, IL
- Natchitoches, LA
- Newport, NH
- Smithfield, RI
- South Fayette, PA
Existing Parks
- Columbus, GA
- Fenton, MI
- Horsham, PA
- Hudson, NY
- Kent, OH
- Lihue, HI
- Memphis, TN
- Tyler, TX
- Wallingford, CT
- Washington, D.C.
“The PetSafe® brand is proud to support communities in their efforts to provide a safe space for their dogs to play,” says Celeste Vlok, marketing manager for PetSafe® brand. “This finalist group has really shown their excitement and dedication to making their dog park dreams a reality, and we’re looking forward to seeing the community members take on the initiative from here. Join the fun and vote for your favorite finalist.”
For more information on the 2021 Bark for Your Park™ grant contest and to vote for a favorite community, visit barkforyourpark.com.