ROCK SPRINGS – In what has become an annual tradition to help animals in the city and county shelters while also bringing animal education to residents, the Rock Springs Parks and Recreation Board approved the Red Desert Humane Society’s request to have the Bark in the Park event on June 14 this year.

Several aspects of this year’s event were discussed as there are several small changes requested this year compared to last year’s event. The first item brought forward by the board was a memorial which is in the works to the late Rock Springs Councilman Glenn Sugano.

The discussion of honoring Sugano focused on the love of his dog and the park. The board felt a monument in the park would be the best way to honor Sugano. There was some hope amongst the board the monument would be unveiled at the Bark in the Park event.
After asking if this would be possible, Park and Rec Director Dave Lansang said he did meet with Rock Springs Mayor Carl Demshar on Thursday and discussed the monument. Lansang said after his discussion with the mayor, and the fact the event is only about 60 days out, it would be highly unlikely.

Another issue brought up was the event has asked to have dogs on leases which Lansang said is the opposite of how the city likes it to be at the park. Lansang said he did not have a problem with it as long as the Red Desert Humane Society Director understood they would have to regulate it.

Board member Stevi Madsen mentioned in the past the vendors were usually outside the park but in this year’s proposal the vendors would be inside the park. There is a roadway which goes around the park to the sewer pump station on the far side of the park but the gate to this roadway remains locked. Lansang explained the group has also asked for this to be opened to allow access for the vendors.

Even with the small changes, Lansang said their changes were “doable” as long as the event organizers understood they would be required to regulate the changes. The board unanimously accepted the request for the event.