Burbank’s first dog park, “The Barking Lot,” is scheduled to open later this month to the City's four-legged friends. It's a soft opening—the park will officially open next spring. 

Burbank Park District’s executive director Bill Olsen said, “We are very excited as it should be completed, weather permitting, within two weeks.”

The Burbank Barking Lot is located in Commissioners Park at 77th Street and Newland Avenue. The park will be open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
​
The two acre fenced park is dedicated to off-leash play and contains areas for both small and large dogs—a half acre section for dogs under 30 pounds and a 1.5 acre section for dogs more than 30 pounds. The sections are separated by native prairie plants.

Planned amenities include human and dog drinking fountains, dog waste areas, benches and  furnished shelters.

Work on the park will continue through the spring. "There still will be some loose ends like site furnishings to be installed," Olsen said.

Dog owners will be able to enjoy the park for free until May 2, 2016 when the Barking Lot officially opens, according to Olsen. Dog owners will need to purchase a membership after that date to access the dog park

Burbank residents may purchase a 1-year membership for $50. Non-residents may purchase a 1-year membership for $75. Memberships can be purchased at Burbank Park District offices. 

Owners are required to register all dogs with the park district and must present a record of immunizations. Dogs must have current vaccinations for: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Para influenza, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella (kennel cough). 

The Burbank Park District announced it will host a town hall meeting Thursday, May 14 at the Fusion RecPlex building located at 6100 W. 85th Street. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

According to a press release issued by the Burbank Park District, “The first part of the meeting will allow the Park District staff to hear from residents on what it should be doing in the next few years to meet resident needs. The second part of the meeting will showcase proposed park improvements at Narragansett Park and discuss a possible grant application.”

The Park District is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Park and Recreation Master Plan that will provide insight into that future direction, allow the district to make strategic decisions based on community input and apply for grants in aid to help with the capital projects.

“This is a great opportunity for the residents of Burbank to have a voice on future improvements and upcoming projects,” Executive Director Bill Olsen said. 

For question or additional information about the meeting residents can contact the Burbank Park District at (708) 599-3873. 

The Burbank Park District will host a Teen Mixer Friday, Nov. 14 from 7 to 9 pm at Liberty Jr. High School, 5900 S. 81st Street. 

The mixer is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Admission is $5.00 at the door with a valid student ID.

Students are expected to adhere to the following rules developed by Burbank School District 111:

• Clothing must be appropriate. No midriff showing, spaghetti straps, open backs, low cut shirts, hanging hip pants or clothing that may be disruptive or suggestive, (i.e. obscene slogans, gang symbols, etc.).
  
• Appropriate dancing is expected.
• The district is not responsible for personal items lost or stolen.
• No gum chewing.
  
• Refreshments and snacks in assigned areas only.

The following is not tolerated at an Junior High Dance:

• Running/Horseplay 
  
• Fighting or Wrestling – Keep hands to yourself 
  
• Swearing or Obscene Gestures
  
• Gang Symbols/Activity
  

Additional Teen Mixers for the scheduled for the 2014/15 school year include: Dec. 12, Jan 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 27, Apr. 17, and May 15.