Moncus Park Celebrates the Grand Opening of Best Friends Bark Park for Large Dogs

LAFAYETTE, La (press release) – Get ready for good times and wagging tails! This Sunday, May 19, marked the grand opening of the eagerly awaited Best Friends Bark Park at Moncus Park. Specifically designed for large dogs taller than 16 inches, this expansive park provides a liberating space where big dogs can run and play freely, adding a fresh burst of canine and community happiness into the heart of Acadiana.

Spanning a generous 34,500 square feet, Best Friends Bark Park features a large off-leash area where dogs can roam and socialize. An elevated 1,000 square-foot overlook offers panoramic views of the park, allowing families to watch their frolic and interact in a stunning setting.

The park will also feature beautifully designed landscaping, two water fountains with attached dog bowls, waste disposal stations complete with dog waste bags, and a double-gated entry and exit system to ensure both safety and seamless access.

Support for Best Friends Bark Park has been made possible through funds raised from Moncus Park’s 2021 SOLA Giving Day Campaign, significant contributions from friends and family of Patrick Reische Gray, the Giles Automotive family, and a generous donation from the Pinhook Foundation, highlighting their commitment to animal welfare and the community. This project follows the successful launch of the Giles Automotive Family Small Dog Park in January 2022.

Emily Hamner, executive director of the Pinhook Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Our tails are wagging with excitement to bring this large dog playground to Moncus Park!”

Visitors looking to enjoy this off-leash dog park must obtain an annual permit, which is mandatory to ensure the safety of all dogs and their owners. Permits can be purchased at www.moncuspark.org/dogpark. While permits are required for the off-leash areas, leashed dogs are welcome elsewhere in Moncus Park as per City Ordinance Sec. 10-121.