Dog Parks How to create one in your community
Marcia Perry Rhoades
Marcia Perry Rhoades is the founder and president of BarkPark, an all-volunteer non-profit dog park that raises funds for animal welfare organizations.
BarkPark began as a yearly fundraiser at Marcia's home and grew into a member's only park with five hundred members and a two to three year waiting list for membership. The Park, which is open on Saturdays during the summer months, benefits a rescue, humane society or shelter that is invited as the guest each week. On their day, the organization receives all the profits made in the park. The yearly membership fees are used to support numerous programs. One hundred percent of the funds raised through BarkPark are donated to other animal welfare organizations.
Marcia has been active in animal welfare for over 20 years and has served on numerous boards and advisory committees that benefit homeless pets. She is currently working with local city governments as an advisor on establishing municipal dog parks in Central Ohio.
Marcia and her husband live with five dogs and usually one or two foster dogs.
