News Release

Hot Springs National Park to host BARK Ranger Day on July 3rd

K9 Ranger Konyak and Ranger Stephen

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 30, 2021

Hot Springs, AR - On Saturday, July 3rd, from 11:00am – 3:00pm on Arlington Lawn, Hot Springs National Park will be hosting BARK Ranger Day. This event is part of the park’s year-long celebration to commemorate its 100th anniversary as a national park.

National parks are exciting places for pets to visit with their families. Luckily, Hot Springs National Park has plenty of opportunities for dogs to go on hikes and explore the park. To highlight the park’s special relationship with dogs, the park will celebrate these furry friends and promote the education of their human companions.

Participants can expect to join in on a BARK Ranger principles program, a dog-friendly guided hike, training and wellness presentations, and demonstrations from the park’s and the City of Hot Springs’ K9 units. Other organizations will be on hand, as well, including the City of Hot Springs Animal Control, the Garland County Humane Society, Hope Fur Paws, and others. Kiddie pools, water, and a couple of misting stations will be available to ensure that everyone can stay cool.

From 2:00 – 3:00 pm, the Friends of Hot Springs National Park will be hosting the “Bark in the Park” pet costume contest and parade. Entry to the costume contest is free and winners will receive prizes from local sponsors. Those interested in participating in the costume contest will need to fill out an entry form prior to 2:00pm on July 3rd. Forms are available online and in person on the day of the event. The costumed categories will be:

• Best Overall Costume: Go wild or original that makes your costume stand out

• Best National Park Spirit: Park Ranger, Nature, Critter or a Bath House Item

• Most Patriotic: Show your red, white and blue patriotic spirit

• Best Look-A-Like: Coordinate your handler’s outfit to match yours

• Most Unique: Be unlike anyone else of your kind

• Best Naked Pet: No costume needed, just show off your physique

Mark your calendars and make a plan to attend this PAW-some event! Feel free to reach out to the park directly with any questions, [phone]. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit: www.nps.gov/hosp/getinvolved/julyevents.htm
 

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About Hot Springs National Park: Established as a federal reservation in 1832 to protect the unique geothermal spring water and associated lands for public health, wellness, and enjoyment. In 1921, the area became a national park with the same mission; preservation of the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain and the historic resources built for visitor enjoyment of the hot springs. Visit us at www.nps.gov/hosp, on Facebook www.Facebook.com/HotSpringsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/HotSpringsNPS.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care forAmerica’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice and Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice.