Bark Park Reconnect: A Celebration of Safety, Community, and Our Best Friends

Good evening Mayor & Council

I’m Jerome Dickey; this is Larry Lee (owner of Sinfully the Best in Steveson) and others behind me joining tonight and online.

Tonight, I’m not here to raise questions or challenge your thinking as I might otherwise often do - tonight we’re here to say Thank You!

Thank You to Council and City Staff.

After a long period of construction and safety upgrades, Richmond’s beloved dog park reopened—and the community came together to celebrate in the best way possible.

Bark Park Reconnect on Saturday May 31st, 2025 was more than just a reopening event; it was a joyful expression of gratitude, inclusion, and community pride.

The upgrades at the park—including new fences, secure gates, and a separated multi-use path for cyclists—were much-needed changes to address past safety concerns and conflicts between off-leash dogs and cyclists.

As the park neared completion, the idea emerged to host an event that would not only mark the improvements but also help bring the community back together after a period of disruption.

Planning began just weeks before the event, guided by a simple vision: make it inclusive, low-key, and fun for both humans and dogs.

Volunteers and local businesses stepped up with enthusiasm and support.

Local chocolate shop Sinfully the Best (Larry) donated delicious shortbread cookies, while Dana, owner of LovelyLoos and Bodega Pets assembled generous raffle baskets.

These small acts of generosity helped create a festive atmosphere and reminded everyone of the strength of local connections.

One of the surprise hits of the day was the dog photo booth, put together by my wife, Diana, where people dressed their dogs in silly costumes and gathered for laughs, snapshots, and memories.

Throughout this event guests signed a large thank-you card to the City of Richmond. Dozens of heartfelt notes expressed appreciation for the improved safety and the renewed sense of connection the park now offers.

The atmosphere was filled with joy, and even passersby who hadn’t known about the event decided to stay and join in.

Professional photographer, Tommy, owner of KindphotosYVR volunteered his time to capture the day, and the photos reflected what words alone couldn’t capture—laughter, connection, and the special bond between people and pets.

Under sunny skies, more than 80 attendees mingled, played, and reconnected with neighbours, making it a truly memorable day.

What made Bark Park Reconnect special wasn’t just the

upgraded infrastructure—it was the spirit of togetherness.

The event reminded everyone that parks are more than green spaces.

They are places where community is built, where everyone—two-legged and four-legged—belongs.

Thank you to everyone who made Bark Park Reconnect a success.

With thoughtful planning, generous hearts, and a love for our shared spaces, we created something beautiful together.

We would like to provide you with the Thank You card from this event and Larry will provide a token of our appreciation from Sinfully the Best.

Watch online at 1:20:00 https://www.youtube.com/live/Sfblx7lfsX0?si=g7W6NfLordpdJ-nk