Dartmouth opens community-named Barks and Tails Dog Park

Dartmouth’s new Barks and Tails Dog Park opened at Dartmouth Regional Park & Trails with a payoff that went well beyond a ribbon-cutting: local owners finally gained a dedicated place for daily burn-off, dog socialization and informal meetups. For dogs that need constant motion, the fenced park turned exercise into a regular routine instead of a hunt for safe off-leash space.

The park sits at Dartmouth Regional Park & Trails, 443 Old Fall River Road, down Harry Reynolds Drive, and the grand opening took place Friday, June 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from Dartmouth Parks and Recreation, the Select Board, the Dartmouth Dog Advisory Work Group and the Community Preservation Committee. A second special celebration was announced for Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The name itself reflected the town’s involvement. Dartmouth Parks and Recreation hosted a community naming contest in February, and resident Oliver Wakefield won with the submission that became Barks and Tails. The town described it as the “ulti-mutt” pick, a small nod that fit a project built through years of planning, fundraising and community advocacy.

That local ownership gives the park a clear identity in a town where dog owners have been looking for more than a nice amenity. The town described Barks and Tails as a safe and welcoming space where dogs can run, play and socialize while families and neighbors relax and connect outdoors. For owners of high-energy dogs, that matters in practical terms: a dog park is one of the few places designed specifically for off-leash movement, repeated sprints, and the kind of social exposure that helps turn raw drive into manageable daily exercise.

The opening notices also made clear that the event was meant to be easy for the whole community to join. Refreshments were offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and one attendee was set to win a giveaway prize. With a named park, a public contest behind it and two celebrations on the calendar, Barks and Tails arrived as more than a new space. It became a new routine for Dartmouth’s dogs, and for the people who have been waiting for somewhere to let them run.