Pelican Bark Park

Buy-a-Brick still open!

2009-10-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks again, Bark Parkers for all of your amazing work on this so far! Just in case you didn't know, we are continuing to accept donations, provide naming opportunities at several levels and take brick orders. Make your donation last a lifetime with brick named in the honor of a person or pet you designate. Years from now, you'll enjoy seeing what you had a hand in building while you and your pooch stroll down the Bark Park "Walk of Fame."

Download Buy-a-Brick Form

Who Let the Dogs Out? We Did!

2009-10-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Most of you have heard by now, but we recently met our fundraising goal of $48,000 in order to build St. Tammany's first dog park!!! In the past week, we received two large individual donations and we were also awarded a grant of $10,000 from the Mandeville Recreation Fund/Northshore Community Foundation.

What all of this means is that Pelican Park is planning to start construction on Phase I of the Bark Park in November (they've actually already started filling in some low lying areas)! We are certainly still accepting sponsorships and brick forms...the more we raise in the coming month, the more amenities will be included in the park. We plan to continue with Yappy Hour at least until the park opens and our committee will likely serve in an advisory/volunteer capacity once the dog park is up and running.

For each person who contributed to our project in any way - small or large - I want to thank you because it took each one of us to make this a success. Bark Park, here we come!!!!

Alternative site for Bark Park Considered

2009-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

BRICKS for BARKS!

2009-09-25T13:15:00.001-07:00

We are just a few bricks shy of a full park - but with your help, we'll have the dogs barking in no time...

What would you pay to have a permanent, beautiful dog park in St. Tammany Parish?

The Buy-a-Brick program is an opportunity to help contribute to the Pelican Bark Park projectand have your family's or pet's name permanently engraved on a brick to be placed near the entry to the Bark Park.

If only one in fifteen dog owners in St. Tammany Parish bought a brick, we could begin construction on St. Tammany's first dog park immediately!

Let all of your friends know and send in the form with your $100 tax deductible contribution to the

Pelican Bark Park, PO Box 2537, Mandeville, LA 70470.

We thank you!

Download form

Yappy Hour at Ruby's 9-9-09

2009-09-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Yappy Hour

For People and their Pooches

Come enjoy a night out with your pooch!

Ruby’s Roadhouse

840 Lamarque, Mandeville

Wed, Sep 9

6:30 – 8:30 pm

$5 admission benefits Pelican Bark Park .

* Dog-Themed Drink Specials for Humans

* 50/50 Raffle.

* MUTT STRUT - Humane Society will bring adoptable dogs.

* COME HUNGRY – poboys, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. will be available for purchase.

* MY POOCHES PANTRY will be selling their delicious, homemade, all natural pet treats!

* All friendly, leashed, vaccinated dogs are welcome.

Mark your calendar for October’s Yappy Hour

“Tails” from the Crypt Pawty &

Howl-o-ween pet costume contest

Wed, Oct 14

www.pelicanbarkpark.org

For more info contact Melissa at YappyHourRubys@yahoo.com or 985.892.6234

2009-06-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

click here

Linking residents and visitors alike to local news, weather, sports, event calendars, social organizations, businesses, restaurants, entertainment, schools, colleges, city and parish contacts, libraries, parks, recreation, churches, forums, TV, radio, classifieds, maps, phone books, coupons, and much more... Northshore Links covers it all!

With a strong community focus, Northshore Links has already connected with - and helped promote - a number of community organizations, such as Upward Community Services, Habitat for Humanity, St. Tammany Art Association, Hospice Foundation of the South, local women's shelters Safe Harbor and le Cocon du Papillion, St. Paul's Alumni Association, St. Tammany Humane Society, and the Pelican Bark Park.

In an effort to give back, 5% of Northshore Links total revenue is donated to local non-profit organizations.

Northshore Links is an active member of the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, the Hammond Chamber of Commerce, and ThePonchatoula Chamber of Commerce. The site has been highlighted by several local media outlets, including Covington Magazine, Inside Northside, Metro Woman Directory, theNorthshore Connection, Chamber publications, ABC 26, NOLA 38, WGSO Radio, and WSLA Radio.

Northshore Couple make Pooch Park a priority

2009-02-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

Read the original post on Northshorelinks.com

Most people would probably recognize Christian Serpas as the leader and multi-talented singer, songwriter, and front man of the band Ghost Town. What you may not know, is that he and his wife Melissa are part of a small group of people who have taken on the big job of getting the Northshore’s first official Dog Park built, and they are well on their way to making it happen.

Bark Park Chairman Sarah Pokorny had an idea and rolled with it, quickly gaining support and eventually the donation last year of 3.5 acres of land at Pelican Park to be used for a Bark Park. A Bark Park is a park where dogs, (and even their owners if they feel like it) can run free in a safe, secure area, not confined by leashes. Bark Park’s are hugely popular in communities all across America; it’s not a new idea. However, they are few and far between in Louisiana. Mandeville is a perfectly appropriate place and with the generous donation of the land and citizens like Christian and Melissa, it seems a new Bark Park is well on its way.

I first learned of Christian’s involvement in the Pelican Bark Park back in September when he was a guest on my radio show with Bernie Cyrus. He was on to talk about another worthy Northshore cause, the fundraiser that was held for Devin Funck, the little Slidell boy who was viciously attacked by an alligator. With a caring heart and not hesitant to get involved, he, and Melissa are perfect volunteers for this effort. Inspired by her love for animals (the Serpas’ have three cats) and particularly their precious Chihuahua, Phoebe, Melissa is extremely involved with Northshore activities for pets, volunteering for both the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws Parade and coordinating the Small Dog Playgroup that meets every other month at the Speakeasy Too in Madisonville.

Since September, it seems it’s been full steam ahead for all the Pelican Bark Park volunteers. Present at practically every festival or community event, they are there with volunteer sign-up sheets, spreading the word, gathering emails and accepting donations for the cause. They had their first big fundraiser, “Bark at the Moon” a couple weeks ago which was a success. And their “Yappy Hour” has become hugely popular. Everyone is invited and it’s held at Ruby’s Roadhouse on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30. The owners of Ruby’s graciously open their doors once a month to their patrons with pups in tow for a fun puppy-themed night. There is food available for purchase for the humans, and all-natural puppy treats by My Pooch’s Pantry for the pets. With doggie-themed drinks, a “mutt-strut” fashion show with adoptable dogs from the Humane Society, pet contests, and a 50/50 raffle, it’s a ton a fun, with the $5.00 cover going directly to the Bark Park.

The Pelican Bark Park can be built in phases, allowing it to be utilized while they raise additional funds for its completion. The first phase will consist of grass, drainage, parking and fencing. Other park features include benches, a pond, dog-washing stations, a walking path, and a shade pavilion. There will be special areas for small dogs and larger dogs to play, and a double-entry security gate.

Operating under a 501(3)c status, and working tirelessly to reach their goal, every bit of help is appreciated. In addition to volunteers who are needed to assist with booths and events, the Bark Park is also seeking out in-kind contributions of materials and such. Corporate Sponsorships with opportunities for naming rights are available. The $100 Buy-a-Brick campaign is a beautiful way to get involved and support our local Bark Park. Be a part of the “Walk of Fame” with a brick inscribed with your dog’s name, a business or family members name or perhaps the name of long loved pet that has passed.

This Bark Park is something a community like the Northshore needs. A place where not just the dogs, but friends and family can socialize, too. We’re lucky to live in a place that is filled with so many good, hard-working people who aren’t afraid to get involved and get things done. Their dedication to this project is admirable, and we will all get to benefit from it for years to come, with our pets, at our very own Bark Park.

The next Yappy Hour will be Wednesday, February 11 at Ruby’s with the theme of the evening being “Pawdi Gras Pawty” . And don’t miss the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws parade on March 1 at 2:00 on the Lakefront. I’ll keep you posted here on www.northshorelinks.com of all of their events in the future, and of the progress of the Bark Park. Please check out the following links for more information about any of these topics.

The Pelican Bark Park, www.pelicanbarkpark.org

The Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws, www.mardipaws.com

Christian Serpas and Ghost Town, www.ghosttown.org

Sheri Campbell

NorthShoreLinks.com

Bark at the Moon @ Maxein's Jan 24th. Great Food & Drinks!

2009-01-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

Tickets available at Maxeins in Mandeville, LA
or by calling (985) 789-8910
Tickets 45.00 per person.
Door Prizes
Silent Auction
Live Music

***all proceeds benefit the New Pelican Bark Park***

Buy a Brick on the "Walk of Fame"

2008-11-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Download the Buy-A-Brick form!

Pitch made after site lined up for dog park

2008-09-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Acreage is OK'd for Mandeville dog park.
Full article on www.nola.com
By Cindy Chang
A park that north shore canines can call their own is one step closer to reality after Pelican Park near Mandeville agreed to set aside a 2- to 3-acre site.

Now, the dogs must count on their human benefactors to raise over $155,000 for fences, water stations, benches and other basic facilities.

If fundraising goes well, the north shore's first dog park could open as soon as December 2009, said Sarah Pokorny, the Mandeville resident who organized the campaign beginning with an online petition in February.

A second phase of construction, which would include a swimming hole and a bone-shaped walking trail, has a price tag of about $200,000 and could be completed after the first phase already is being used.

"We have the land now, thanks to Pelican Park," Pokorny said. "Now we're at the beginning of the second hurdle -- looking for community support."

Three months after starting the petition, Pokorny had 500 signatures from dog lovers but no land. Over the summer, talks with Kathy Foley, Pelican Park's director, grew more serious.

On Sept. 27, the board of directors approved a plan to turn an undeveloped tract of land across the road from the skate park into the Pelican Bark Park, provided Pokorny's group pays all the construction costs.

The exact dimensions are yet to be determined, with estimates ranging from 2 to 3.5 acres.

An annual membership fee may be charged to use the park, depending on whether Pelican Park picks up the tab for maintaining the site or whether the Bark Park group has to pay for upkeep.

If the group comes up with the needed money, local dogs will someday be able to shed their leashes, free to make friends, wrestle, chase each other and do all the things they like to do when they are together.

The only park on the north shore where dogs are allowed off-leash is the Mandeville lakefront before 8 a.m. There, owners worry about traffic on nearby Lakeshore Drive as well as joggers who do not appreciate dogs running loose.

On the south shore, a dog park opened at the Bonnabel boat launch along Lake Pontchartrain in Metairie this spring.

Dog owners congregate along the Mississippi River levee beside Leake Avenue and at several other unofficial spots, but City Bark, scheduled to open in City Park as soon as next spring, will be the first public space in New Orleans built just for dogs.

There are more than 50 dog parks in New York City, about 20 in the Los Angeles area and many others in cities across the country. Baton Rouge opened its first dog park in 2006 and plans to construct a dozen more.

A rendering of the Pelican Bark Park shows a grassy expanse dotted with trees, punctuated by the walking path and pond that would be completed in phase two. An area near the entrance is set aside for small dogs.

"I'm pretty excited. It's a pretty-looking plan, and we've got a very excited group of dog lovers. Everyone's going to like it," said Nixon Adams, chairman of the Pelican Park board, whose Yorkshire terrier recently passed away.

More information about the dog park can be found at www.pelicanbarkpark.org.

. . . . . . .

Cindy Chang can be reached at cchang@timespicayune.com or 985.898.4816.

What is Pelican Bark Park

2008-09-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

Our mission is to contribute to the health and well-being of people and domestic dogs through advocating for the inclusion, design, construction, maintenance and safe operation of enclosed, off-leash recreation areas in Mandeville and greater St. Tammany Parish.

The Pelican Bark Park Committee, partnering with the Friends of Pelican Park, is formed to establish off-leash recreation in Recreation District #1 of Pelican Park. The committee is comprised of ten committee members and hundreds of community supporters. Ask us how to get involved! email doggiebarkpark@yahoo.com

The Pelican Bark Park Committee plans to establish a dog park within the confines of Pelican Park, thanks to the support of Director Kathy Foley and the Pelican Park Board of Directors. The PBPC will be the full funding organization for design, construction, maintenance and operations.

Park features include:
• Fencing (with double-gated entries and maintenance gates)
• Water
• Signs
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Benches
• Parking
• Shade Structure
• Irrigation system
• Electric capacity

Support Opportunities

2008-09-10T14:47:00.000-07:00

Pelican Bark Park Sponsor

Recognition Program

*Friends of Pelican Park presents a recognition opportunity for canine-friendly businesses that sponsor Pelican Bark Park. Your investment will provide you with greater exposure to your target market!

Best in Show: $50,000 Dog Park Named After Your Company

Best in Breed: $25,000 Name on Shade Shelter

Top Dog: $15,000 Name on Bullpen (2 Opportunities )

Watch Dog       $10,000 Information Board

Pack Leader:    $5,000 Name on Bench (5 Opportunities)

Tail Wagger:    $2,500 Name on Water Station (2 Opportunities)

Pet Partner: $1,000 Name on Poop Scoop Post (3 Opportunities)

Canine $500 2 Bricks on “Walk of Fame”

Companion: & Listed on Website

Paw Pal: $250 1 Brick on “Walk of Fame”

& Listed on Website

Man's Best $100 1 Brick on "walk of fame"
Friend:

*All donors at the $1,000 and up level will be listed on a plaque at the dog park entrance and have free 10 x 10 booth space at annual Bark Park Event. Donors at $250 and up level will be listed on website and printed materials unless otherwise requested.

Introduction

2008-09-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

Our mission is to contribute to the health and well-being of people and domestic dogs through advocating for the inclusion, design, construction, maintenance and safe operation of enclosed, off-leash recreation areas in Mandeville and greater St. Tammany Parish.

The Pelican Bark Park Committee (PBPC), partnering with the Friends of Pelican Park, a 501(c)(3), is formed to establish off-leash recreation in Recreation District #1/Pelican Park. The PBPC is comprised of ten committee members and hundreds of community supporters.

The Pelican Bark Park Committee plans to establish a dog park within the confines of Pelican Park, thanks to the support of Director Kathy Foley and the Pelican Park Board of Directors. The PBPC will be the full funding organization for design, construction, maintenance and operations.

Park features include:
• Fencing (with double-gated entries and maintenance gates)
• Water
• Signs
• Wheelchair accessibility
• Benches
• Parking
• Shade Structure
• Irrigation system
• Electric capacity

Once the remainder of the funds are raised (in the first and second years), the following amenities will be added:
• Synthetic Boulders/Play Apparatus
• Picnic Tables
• Swimming Hole
• Entry Pavilion
• Lighting