Parks & Rec To Seek Community Input On Official Name For Dog Park at Parker

The Salina Parks and Recreation Department is seeking community input to officially name the new dog park at Parker Park, according to discussions at the Wednesday Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

The dog park, currently referred to as "the dog park at Parker Park," opened recently near the Carver Center after the closure of the previous dog park behind the animal shelter. It joins Barkley Park on Markley Road as the city's second official dog park.

Parks and Recreation staff have already begun collecting naming suggestions through social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Staff member Andrea Murphy created a TikTok video specifically asking for community help in naming the facility.

Initial responses yielded approximately 40-45 votes for various names, with "The Barking Lot" emerging as one of the top suggestions.

Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond noted his personal preference for this name, citing its clever reference to the park's location next to a parking lot.

"I was trying to avoid Parker Park dog park. It's a mouthful," Hammond said during the meeting. "Parker Park is officially named John Parker Jr. Park, and it seems a little disrespectful to use his name towards a dog park in that respect."

Board members discussed whether the current number of responses was sufficient or if additional outreach methods should be employed to gather more community input.

Suggestions included creating an online survey promoted through Salina311.

The naming process will follow the city's municipal facility naming guidelines, which include an application, verification of eligibility, commission action to declare it eligible, and final approval by the City Commission.