Eco-friendly Jackass Acres K-9 Korral also among the greenest in the nation
Dog Fancy, the world's most widely read dog magazine, announced its picks for its annual America's Best Dog Parks contest. This year's best dog park is Jackass Acres K-9 Korral, in New River, Ariz.
"What pushed Jackass Acres K-9 Korral to the top of the list this year are its efforts to be green," explains Dog Fancy Editor Susan Chaney. "The park has solar-powered lights, a security system, and water pumps, as well as decorative metal flowers made from old cars, furniture crafted from fallen timber, and recycled artificial turf. How could we not love a park like that?"
Jackass Acres believes it may be the first completely green dog park in the United States. Built by
Anthem Pets, a non-profit animal welfare association, the park was designed to be environmentally friendly. The park's two and one-half acres were cleared by hand, removing nothing but wees from the land. Anthem Pets hopes the park serves as a model to both other parks and everyone.
Any dog owner may use the park; an annual membership fee of $35 for one dog or $50 for two or more dogs per household is required. The park is located at 41635 Old Black Canyon Highway off a frontage road connecting Anthem and New River.
For information, call 623-551-2234.
Runner-up parks on Dog Fancy's list include:
-- Bow Wow Beach, Stow, Ohio
-- Broemmelssiek Park Off-Leash Dog Area, St. Charles, Mo.
-- Frankfort Bark Park, Frankfort, Ill.
-- Hammel Woods Forest Preserve Dog Park, Shorewood, Ill.
-- MonDaug Bark Park, Fort Washington, Pa.
-- Paw OK Dog Park, Oklahoma City, Okla.
-- South Brohard Beach Paw Park, Venice, Fla.
-- Wantage Dog Park, Wantage, N.J.
-- Woof! Pac Park, Santa Maria, Calif.
Each year, Dog Fancy calls for readers to submit nominations for what they believe to be America's best dog parks. To be considered, parks must have fencing, double gates and free clean-up bags. Parks are then considered based on a list of criteria including: water for dogs and their people, shade, lights, parking availability and accessibility, support organizations and special events, among others.
Posted by Amie McGraham, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Pictured: Casey McGraham