To beat the summer heat, Teri Jo Olean and her son set out to an outdoor splash pad made just for kids.
In the midst of watching her son run around, enjoying the cool water, Olean experienced a light bulb moment.
“I thought, ‘How fun would this be for dogs to be playing and splashing in the water?’ I should add this to our existing daycare program,” said Olean.
She began toying around with the idea and conjured up the thought of a pet-friendly splash park being accessible all year long.
“The ideas just kept following, as I thought it should have a bar for owners and a designated play area for kids,” Olean recollected.
After 18 months of designing, planning, and research The Splash Bark by Smoken Dakota Kennels [SDK] opened in Harrisburg at the end of January 2020.
The Splash Bark allows dogs of all sizes and their owners to escape ordinary day-to-day life and discover a slice of paradise.
The 605 team was able to experience this ticket to paradise with our dogs on a chilly November day.
Alongside me and my brother’s Dachshund, Snoop, was our multimedia designer and photographer Cailyn Patterson, with her two rescues, Mako and Fergus, and magazine co-owners Alana and John Snyder with their Boston Terriers, Maverick and Merlin.
With each of our dogs wiggling and jumping with excitement, we were introduced to Olean, president and owner, SDK park director, Ragan Rommann, and the rest of their team.
Our furry friends couldn’t wait to experience the indoor water dog park.
When Rommann opened the small entrance gate, Snoop, Mako, Fergus, Merlin, and Maverick dashed into the park to meet other staff members’ dogs.
Mako and Fergus had no hesitation when it came to the water, while Snoop was a little more reserved before trotting in later on.
“Our synchronized water features are specially configured for a dog’s play style,” said Olean. “The park also has a puddle play area in the middle, which is three inches deep, so even the smallest splashers can enjoy it.”
She adds that the water is 100% fresh and chemical-free.
Other water features include a raining palm tree, a spray beach ball, two water-flowing arcs, and three hoops.
If a pooch is more hesitant towards water, like Snoop, they can still enjoy the park as it’s designed to incorporate different activities.
“We’ve also included dry play areas with tunnels, climbers, and four bubble machines for entertainment of all ages and sizes of dogs,” explained Olean.
Board Games Galore
While your furry friends splash in the water, sit back in the large chairs and play a board game with friends or fellow owners. When the warmer weather arrives, step out to the patio to play large yard games.
For a change of scenery on warmer days, SDK provides a secure, fenced-in patio area.
“It’s the perfect space for dogs to socialize, play, and burn off some energy in a safe and controlled environment,” said Olean.
The park prioritizes safety with proper sanitation and hygiene practices, and dedicated staff ensuring the well-being of all visiting pups.
Each team member is diligently trained on dog body language and proper play etiquette to help supervise dog interactions.
“They can intervene if any aggressive behavior or unsafe play is observed,” explained Olean.
Before a dog is allowed to enter the park on their first visit, the owner must show proof of updated Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations.
In an extra effort to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites, the park is sanitized daily.
“The proof of vaccination requirements is also a portal to all of SDK’s services including boarding, daycare, training, and grooming.” -teri jo olean
Bark Hours
Monday // 5 – 8 p.m.
Tuesday // Closed for private rentals
Wednesday // 5 – 8 p.m.
Thursday // 5 – 8 p.m.
Friday // 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday // 12 – 6 p.m.
Sunday // 12 – 4 p.m.
Dogs aren’t the only ones who can blow off some steam and enjoy the splash park. Adults are able to enjoy a cold beer or seltzer at the Tiki Bar and fill up on pizza and ice cream treats.
Don’t want your furry pal to feel left out? Owners can order the tropical pet-safe mocktail, like the Puppy Coladas, a treat specially crafted for canines’ taste buds that also includes bonus health benefits.
Olean did share that some dogs adore the colada, while others are hesitant to dip their tongues in. Our team saw firsthand that our pups were split 50/50 on the treat.
Throughout our time at Splash Bark, our pets made some new friends.
Mickee, Olean’s eight-month-old Papillon Toy Poodle mix, took a particular liking to Snoop, while Fergus, Mako, Merlin, and Maverick all splashed and played with each other and their other four-legged friends.
“The park offers complimentary dryers that are convenient for colder days.” -teri jo olean
“Dogs are social creatures, and our indoor park is the perfect setting for them to make new friends,” shared Olean.
The Splash Bark offers monthly memberships, allowing your furry friend to receive unlimited access to the one-of-a- kind indoor dog park.
With the monthly memberships, Olean shares that all pups will be a part of a community, creating friendships with both furry pals and their human companions.
At SDK’s Splash Bark, every day is a day of fun, laughter, and wet paws, providing an unforgettable experience for dogs and owners alike.
As our time was coming to an end, it was clear to see that our dogs didn’t want to leave the splash park.
The group of dogs continued to run around with their new friends, making it difficult for Patterson and I to grab a hold of them and snap a quick photo.
Patterson leashed up Mako and Fergus, and I scooped Snoop up in a towel before saying our goodbyes to Olean, Rommann, the SDK team, and our new fur-covered friends.
After our visit, there was no doubt in the 605 team’s mind that we would be returning to the Splash Bark soon.
