Tulsa area pooches finally have a park of their own. Tulsa's first and only off-leash dog park is now open and ready for visitors.

The park is called a 'bark park' and is located in West Tulsa on Charles Page Boulevard, just east of Gilcrease Museum Road. It's a place where dogs can run and play, then take a rest and then run and play some more.

The demand for bark parks is so high, several more are in the planning stages. For dogs, it's a giant-sized meet and greet. Animals that might be really protective at home can come out and realize it's a time to play with other dogs.

"I think everyone's out here just playing around," says Veterinarian Dr. Kimberly Huckaby. "You're different at your own home, you're totally protective of your home and your family. All the different smells confuse them. They're not at home, so they don't have to protect it."

Sure, they bark at each other, but it's a playful bark -- sort of saying 'give me that chew toy'. This first bark park has two dog areas -- one for larger dogs and another for smaller ones.

The park has lighting for evening romps, water pails for thirsty animals and the very best part -- admission is free. This brings people out of their homes, so they, too, can meet and greet while the dogs run and play.

There are rules however. The dogs in the park have to be licensed, they have to have their shots and they have to be over four months old. And, if they leave behind a brown spot on the lawn, you have to clean it up.

Other places being considered for bark parks include six acres of land on 13th Street between Cincinnati and Detroit and Hicks Park at 34th and Mingo.

For more information, visit www.tulsabarkpark.com.

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