Barks & Rec Dog Park

For dog owners throughout Maine, especially those in the charming town of Eliot, finding a safe and welcoming space for our canine companions to enjoy off-leash freedom is a true convenience. **Barks & Rec Dog Park**, nestled within Frost Tufts Community Park, stands as a testament to community effort and a valuable resource for local pet parents. Originally conceived as an Eagle Scout project, this park offers a dedicated outdoor environment where dogs can run, play, and socialize, making it a beloved spot for many in the region.

Barks & Rec Dog Park provides a straightforward yet essential amenity for Eliot's dog-loving community. It's a place designed to cater to dogs of various sizes, ensuring a more comfortable and secure play experience for all. For Maine residents, having such a local facility means easy access to daily exercise and social opportunities for their furry friends, regardless of whether they have a tiny terrier or a lively Labrador. While it's a "little park" in its simplicity, its core function and dedicated design make it a significant asset for local dog owners.

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Barks & Rec Dog Park is conveniently located in Eliot, Maine, situated within the larger Frost Tufts Community Park. Its address is:

**31090_19-30, Eliot, ME 03903, USA** (This appears to be an internal park identifier; the physical location is at Frost Tufts Community Park).

More specifically, the park is "tucked away behind the tennis courts, playground, and ball field" within Frost Tufts Community Park. This means it's part of a larger recreational complex, potentially offering additional activities for families. Finding the park is generally easy, with a clear parking area available nearby, making access hassle-free for visitors. Its integration into a broader community park means it benefits from existing infrastructure and provides a multi-purpose destination for a family outing. For locals, this central and accessible location within Eliot makes regular visits to Barks & Rec Dog Park a convenient part of their routine. The park is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk, offering flexible hours for most schedules.

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Barks & Rec Dog Park focuses on providing fundamental services essential for a safe and enjoyable off-leash dog park experience. These services aim to ensure dogs have a dedicated space to play while promoting responsible pet ownership.

• **Separate Fenced Play Areas:** A key service is the provision of two distinct, fenced sections. One area is designated for larger dogs, offering ample room for high-energy play, while the other is reserved for smaller dogs (often under 25 lbs). This separation significantly enhances safety and comfort, allowing dogs of similar size and temperament to play together without intimidation.

• **Double-Gated Entry:** The park features a double-gated entry system. This crucial safety measure helps prevent dogs from accidentally escaping when other owners are entering or exiting the park, providing an added layer of security.

• **Water Access:** While reviews mention the water source is a pump or spigot located just outside the park gate, the availability of fresh water is a vital service. Owners can fill their dog's water bowls, ensuring hydration during playtime, especially on warmer days.

• **Waste Disposal (Trash Cans):** The park generally provides waste disposal trashcans within or near the dog park area. This service encourages owners to clean up after their pets, contributing to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the park. However, users should be prepared that bag dispensers may occasionally be empty.

• **Publicly Accessible Park:** As a public park, Barks & Rec offers free access to all responsible dog owners, making it an accessible recreational option for the community.

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Barks & Rec Dog Park, though described as "a nice, grassy, but little park," boasts several features that make it a valuable asset to the Eliot community:

• **Dedicated Dual Play Zones:** The most significant highlight is the clearly separated play areas for large and small dogs. This thoughtful design caters to the specific needs of different dog sizes, allowing for safer and more enjoyable interactions. The double-gated entry further reinforces safety by preventing accidental escapes.

• **Grassy Terrain with Shade:** Unlike some dog parks that are entirely dirt or sand, Barks & Rec offers a grassy surface, which can be softer on paws and more aesthetically pleasing. The presence of trees provides welcome patches of shade, offering relief from the sun on hotter Maine days for both dogs and their owners.

• **Community Initiative (Eagle Scout Project):** The park's origin as an Eagle Scout project speaks to a grassroots community effort, instilling a sense of local pride and ownership. This background often means a dedicated local interest in its continued existence and use.

• **Convenient Water Access:** While a pump/spigot is outside the gate, the availability of fresh water is a crucial feature. It allows owners to keep their dogs hydrated without needing to carry large water bottles, especially during extended play sessions.

• **Easy Parking:** The park benefits from an easy-to-find parking area, which is a practical convenience for visitors, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure.

• **Integration with Frost Tufts Community Park:** Being part of a larger community park means visitors can combine a dog park visit with other recreational activities, such as using the tennis courts, playground, or ball fields, making it a versatile destination for families.

It's worth noting that while the park provides essential features, users should be prepared for basic maintenance levels, such as occasionally empty bag dispensers or the need for more frequent yard maintenance, as indicated by some feedback. Vigilance for ticks and proper cleanup by all users are also important considerations for maintaining the park's quality.

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As a public park, Barks & Rec Dog Park does not typically offer commercial promotions, discounts, or special offers in the way a private business might. Access to public dog parks, like this one within Frost Tufts Community Park, is generally free of charge. However, the "special offers" from a community perspective lie in its accessibility and potential for community-driven activities.

• **Free Public Access:** The most significant "promotion" is that the park is completely free to use for all responsible dog owners in Eliot and surrounding areas. There are no fees, memberships, or passes required, making it an economical option for daily dog exercise.

• **Community Events (Potential):** While not directly managed by the park itself, public parks often serve as venues for community-organized events. Local pet groups, rescue organizations, or the Eliot Recreation Department might occasionally host dog-related meet-ups, adoption days, or educational sessions at the park. These unofficial gatherings would be publicized through local community channels.

• **Volunteer Opportunities:** For locals who wish to directly support the park's upkeep, there may be volunteer opportunities to assist with maintenance, clean-up days, or fundraising efforts. While not a "promotion" for visitors, it's an offer of engagement for community members to ensure the park's continued quality.

For information on any community-led activities or specific park notices, it would be best for locals to check with the Eliot Recreation Department or local community boards and social media groups dedicated to Eliot dog owners.

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For general inquiries regarding Barks & Rec Dog Park, its maintenance, or rules, it is best to contact the managing body responsible for Frost Tufts Community Park, which is the Town of Eliot's Recreation Department.

**Address:** 31090_19-30, Eliot, ME 03903, USA (Physical location within Frost Tufts Community Park)

While a direct phone number for the dog park itself is not typically listed, you can usually reach the Eliot Recreation Department for park-related questions. Based on publicly available information for the Town of Eliot:

**Eliot Recreation Department Phone:** (207) 439-1813 (General town number, may need to ask for Recreation Department)

It is always recommended to check the official website of the Town of Eliot or their Recreation Department for the most current information regarding park hours, rules, or any maintenance updates.

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For dog owners in Eliot, Maine, and the surrounding communities, Barks & Rec Dog Park is a particularly suitable and valuable local asset. Its design and placement directly address the key needs of urban and suburban pet parents seeking safe and accessible outdoor spaces for their dogs.

The most compelling aspect for locals is the park's **thoughtful dual-zone separation for large and small dogs**. This crucial feature ensures that every dog, regardless of size or play style, has a comfortable and secure environment to play in. The double-gated entry further enhances this safety, providing peace of mind for owners. The park's **grassy terrain and natural shade** are also significant advantages, offering a more pleasant and comfortable environment compared to unshaded, all-dirt alternatives, especially during Maine's varying weather conditions.

Moreover, its integration within Frost Tufts Community Park makes it a convenient stop for families. This means a single trip can cater to the recreational needs of both two-legged and four-legged family members. While some reviews suggest a need for consistent upkeep, this is often a shared responsibility in community parks, fostering a sense of collective ownership. The park's origin as an Eagle Scout project further underscores its local roots and the community's investment in providing this vital amenity. For Maine residents looking for a straightforward, safe, and easily accessible place for their dogs to socialize and burn energy, Barks & Rec Dog Park offers a practical and beloved solution right in their backyard, truly serving as a beneficial resource for the local canine community.