The Bark Yard, Allen’s upcoming dog park, will begin construction in late summer 2023 after councilmembers approved a contract with Cole Construction, Inc.
The Bark Yard will be located at what was formerly Jupiter Park. Allen Community Development Corporation (Allen CDC) approved funding for the dog park in Fall 2021.
You can keep up with the latest information from Allen Parks & Recreation by joining Allen Dog Park Project Updates group on Facebook.
Scroll below for the project timeline.
Project timeline
| 2023 |
|---|
| July: Council approves construction contract |
| January: Official park name "The Bark Yard" is chosen |
| 2022 |
|---|
| Fall: Development of construction documents; Bid contract to be awarded |
| 2020 |
|---|
| February: Public input |
| March: During development of master plan, humans spent more time working from home with their canine companions (Work "pawsed" due to COVID-19) |
| August: Conceptual master plan complete |
| September: Site researched and selected |
| December: Refined master plan and cost estimate |
| 2019 |
|---|
| May: Private dog park closed - Allen Parks and Recreation announces intent to pursue funding for a public dog park |
| June: Project presented for initial funding consideration |
| August: Research and design funding submitted to City Council |
| September: City Council approval |
| October: Preliminary schematic drawings begin |
Frequently asked questions about Allen CDC
What is the Allen Community Development Corporation?
The Allen CDC was created by a citizen vote in 1996 to use money collected though Allen’s half-cent sales tax to pay for parks, trails and other amenities which enhance Allen’s quality of life. A group of seven Allen residents appointed by Allen City Council evaluate projects to determine the best use of these funds.
What is the benefit of funding projects in this way?
Unlike property taxes, which are paid almost entirely by Allen residents, sales tax is paid by anyone who spends money in Allen. Retail destinations such as Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, The Village at Allen and Cabela’s attract shoppers from across the region and even out of state. When an Oklahoma resident buys a kayak or Coach bag, 0.05% of the purchase price is funneled to the Allen CDC to be used for amenities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
How are projects selected?
Every March, the Allen CDC hosts a public meeting so residents and City staff can provide input on potential projects. Staff recommendations are based on public input gathered during master planning processes and from resident feedback surveys. The CDC board reviews submissions and selects projects in May for recommendation to Allen City Council. Final funding approval occurs when Council adopts the annual City budget in September. Only certain kinds of projects are eligible to be funded in this way. Land acquisition, building and construction, equipment, facilities and targeted infrastructure improvements are the most common uses; however, CDC funding can also pay for maintenance and operating costs associated with projects.
With Council approval, the CDC funded more than a dozen projects for the 2021-2022 budget year, including trail development, playground shade structures, recreation center cardio equipment and the expansion and redevelopment of Rolling Hills Park.
How can I find out what Allen CDC is doing?
Like all public meetings, CDC meetings are posted to the City Meeting Notices calendar. Meeting agendas are attached to each calendar entry at least 72 hours prior to the meeting time. A list of CDC board members is provided on the City website. CDC board members must be qualified Allen voters with at least one year of residency in the City of Allen. Applications to City boards are accepted each August and promoted on City communication channels and in Allen in Focus newsletters mailed to utility billing customers. Appointments are made in September and terms begin October 1.