Little Rock, Ark. (KTHV) -- The MacArthur Park Group is raising money for a dog park. It's all part of the "unLEASHED" project.
Pet Smart is conducting a nationwide contest called "Bark for your Park" and Little Rock is the running to win a grant to help pay for the park. They're offering a $100,000 grant to the city with the most votes.
The proposed dog park would be built in the southeast corner of MacArthur park across from the UALR Bowen Law School and next to I-630.
So why is Arkansas participating? Over 40 %of central Arkansas households own a dog. In fact, there are over 50,000 dogs in nearly 30,000 homes in Little Rock.
Little Rock currently has just one dog park operated by Parks and Recreation and one in North Little Rock . But nationally, dog parks are the fastest-growing segment of city parks as they are believed to generate frequent and loyal park visitors, for a relatively low cost.
You can help bring a new dog park to Little Rock by logging on to MacBarkPark.com and register to vote. It's free to register by using an e-mail or use your facebook account to sign up.
According to DogChannel.com, dog parks offer the following benefits:
• Promote responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of dog-control laws
• Give dogs a place to exercise safely, thus reducing barking and other problem behaviors
• Provide seniors and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions
• Provide an area for community-building socializing Remember -- you have until June 14th to sign up and vote!