Will Hialeah get a dog park? How you can help the city find the money to open one

Hialeah has 11 parks. But if you’re a dog, you’re out of luck.

While there’s no dog park right now, efforts are underway to open one as soon as possible, said William Sánchez, director of Hialeah´s Parks and Recreation Department.

The city is seeking grants to build and open safe, leash-free areas for pets and their owners to enjoy outdoor activities.

And you can get involved, too.

Through August, anyone can enter the daily PetSafe Bark for your Park contest. The winners will be announced Sept. 2.

“PetSafe is making available a grant opportunity for the City of Hialeah to create a dog park. But you have to do your part and vote! Let´s create a safe place for our pets, who are, after all, part of our families,” Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr. said on social media.

The city’s promotional announcement explains that “the pandemic has highlighted the emotional, social, and practical benefits of pet companionship, especially as Hialeah was significantly impacted by COVID-19.”

“A dog park will provide a play area for humans and their canine companions to venture outside of their homes and engage in necessary recreation and connection with nature,” the city stated.

The first city dog park is planned for 4200 W. Eighth Ave.

Hialeah is among 30 finalists, including Miami Lakes, Pensacola and Jacksonville, seeking one of the awards.

City dog parks typically have grass for animals to roam and benches for pet owners to sit. Some even feature a fire hydrant or two for relief.

“As a dense city, many of the pets in the community do not have a backyard to play and exercise in. The addition of the bark park in the community will enhance safety and improve the mental and physical health of both the pet parent and their animal companions”, the city said in its promotional proposal.

In accordance with contest rules, the sponsor will award $25,000 to four communities for the construction of new parks and $5,000 each to five communities for park maintenance.

Since 2011, PetSafe Bark for Your Park has awarded more than $1.65 million to more than 80 dog parks in 40 states across the United States.