Parks for Pups: Our Q+A With BarkPark's Stephanie Devine

Welcome back to our Partner Spotlight series where we’re showing off the partners that we work with to make your dream park project a reality!

If you’re a proud parent of a furry, four-legged friend, this spotlight is for you. We sat down with Stephanie Devine from BarkPark, who shared her story and passion for creating spaces just for dogs. After all, dogs are family, so why shouldn’t they have parks of their own? Thanks to BarkPark, they do!

Q: What sparked the idea behind BarkPark, and how did it grow into a pup-approved equipment provider?

A: BarkPark was born out of a very simple thought: that dogs aren’t just pets, they are family. They, like children, deserve a safe, fun space to play and socialize. As dog ownership continues to be on the rise, we saw an opportunity to create spaces that bring both dogs and their humans together outdoors. BarkPark began by designing agility equipment that loosely mimics what you would see in dog agility competitions. As communities looked for ways to encourage outdoor activity and connection, our pup-approved equipment quickly became the go-to for building stronger, healthier neighborhoods. 

Q: Let’s talk paws-on play, what kinds of equipment does BarkPark offer for canine agility and fun?

A: BarkPark offers a full line of products for tail-wagging fun!  From hurdles and tunnels to climbing and photobooth panels, our equipment is designed to engage dogs of all sizes and abilities. Whether it’s practicing sit and stay commands on our “Paws Table” or directing jumps on our “Rover Jump Over”, our products help build pups’ confidence, burn off energy and stay mentally stimulated.  The best part?  It gives humans a reason to get outside, meet neighbors, and enjoy the bond of play with their four-legged best friend.

Q: BarkPark clearly brings joy to pups and their people, but how does it also encourage healthy habits for both dogs and their owners?

A: We are all about getting tails wagging and hearts pumping. Our agility equipment encourages dogs to run, jump, and explore, which not only boosts their physical health but also sharpens their mind. What makes this special is that our equipment also gets dog owners moving, too. Whether it's walking laps, playing fetch, or chatting with fellow dog parents, a quick stop at the dog park now becomes an outdoor experience. We love creating a space for healthier dogs and happier humans!

Q: Let’s talk details—what is Canine Coat, and how does it help protect both playful paws and the equipment they love?

A: Canine Coat is an exclusive coating on BarkPark’s steel walking surfaces.  It is a textured thermoplastic coating that provides grip for every paw step. It protects the equipment itself. holds up to heavy use, and is resistant to urine, making it more durable for long-term.

Q: Dog parks at airports? Rooftops? The office? What trends are we seeing for dog parks?

A: I cannot think of a space we aren’t seeing dog parks pop up!  Restaurants are now offering pup-friendly menus, airports are now offering relief areas post-security, hotels are dropping pet fees and allowing dogs without charge, high-rise apartment buildings are offering rooftop relief areas, and workplaces are offering bring your pup to work days - everywhere you look dogs are becoming more and more welcome and an expected amenity.  A best practice is to always have separate areas for small and large dogs.  A new emerging trend is what we like to call a “singles only” section.  This third area would be appropriate for a puppy who is not yet ready for the big park, those who may like their independence and do not necessarily play nice with others, or a pup recovering from surgery.  BarkPark is proud to help communities reimagine where and how pups can play, whether it is sky-high, curbside, or at a corporate office

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Q: Why do you think more communities and companies are choosing to include dog parks as part of their larger CSR and wellness initiatives—and how can partners like IMPACT Parks help make that happen?

A: I believe this goes back to why we started BarkPark, dogs are like family, why wouldn’t we want to include space for them?  Owning a dog is proven to lower stress levels, increase physical activity, and encourage socialization.

Q: Are BarkPark courses truly one-size-fits-all? Or can they be tailored to fit different breeds, sizes, and spaces?

A: BarkParks are definitely not a one-size-fits-all.  We help planners mix and match equipment specifically to the space being designed.  BarkPark offers products for small dogs and large dogs, and everything in between.  We work with spacious greenways and small urban courtyards and can tailor the park to the dogs, people and the footprint! So, we work just like the way IMPACT Parks works with partners to create the best experience for their communities. Our parks can be seamlessly integrated with any park IMPACT Parks creates. 

Q: Is there a guide for humans? What kind of planning resources does BarkPark offer for parks, developers, or pet-friendly businesses?

A: I am glad you asked!  Yes, our parent company PlayCore offers a comprehensive guidebook to educate communities on the value of dog parks, how to get started, what to include (and not include), the health benefits for the dogs and owners, and how to advocate for the space.  Unleashed:  Off leash Dog Park Design Trends & Planning Tips can be requested at Playcore.com. 

Thank you so much, Stephanie! We are so excited to have you as part of our PlayCore family, and we hope many more communities will want to add BarkPark to their next project.