Resident volunteers and their dogs to be Bark Rangers in our Parks

When you see rangers in the national parks, in their tan uniforms, and sometimes accompanied by a trained “smiling” dog, you too smile and feel safe. You will soon be seeing that in LYONS PARKS! Zack Bertges, the new ordinances officer, Town of Lyons, is supervising the Lyons Bark Rangers program. To help you spot them, these good-will ambassador resident-rangers have the option to wear Trebor Western shirts, and special bandanas for the dogs.

Zack is recruiting volunteers this week. While the form states that their only job is to observe and report (via phone or text message) anything suspicious or unwelcoming people in our parks, it later says in the application form that they should feel comfortable in educating the public on the park rules, such as off-lease dogs. It also states that people only need to work/walk 60 minutes a week in the two parks and around town, which needs further explanation. Obviously, the kinks have to be worked out.

“The idea came to me last year after we had a couple reports of out-of-towners bringing their dogs into town and letting them run wild. It’s hard to be everywhere at once! So this was one idea to address that issue,” said Zack. “The program is focused on our parks and walkways, not private residences.”

Zack has been recruiting people and only has a couple spots left, so fill out the form as soon as possible. If you are unable to open the “Google Docs” link, contact him direct at Town Hall. He anticipates that the first orientation meeting will be sometime early next week (May 15-19, 2023).

“We are limiting it to eight because it’s the first time the Town has ever had a program like this. So we’re keeping it short and sweet with fewer people this year (there are always things to iron out for the first anything). Next year I’m hoping to make it a longer (or year-round) program with more people,” said Zack.

Program Details (click here for form)

The Bark Ranger Volunteer assists by walking the Town of Lyons Park grounds, modeling good dog-owner behavior, reporting poor dog behavior directly to Town Staff, and educating visitors about the parks and their history.  ======By simply walking the grounds with their furry friends, Bark Rangers can assist the Town of Lyons in keeping the parks welcoming and safe for all residents and visitors. The only requirement of the program is to walk with your pets and observe and report (via phone or text message) anything suspicious or unwelcoming in our parks…that’s it!  =====Training will be required and provided by Boulder County Animal Control Officers and the Town of Lyons Code Compliance Official.  Program runs from May to September, 2023. 
  
PROGRAM BENEFITS: 
– Help make your parks more welcoming for all 
– Complimentary Lyons Bark Ranger Shirt and Dog Bandana 
– Complimentary Town of Lyons Dog License 
– Business sponsorships and discounts! (Restaurants, dog-sitting, etc. all TBD)   

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS: 
“See something, say something!” If you see an off-leash dog or something that shouldn’t be happening in your parks from a distance, report it directly to the Code Compliance Office
Attend training events by Boulder County Animal Control and Lyons Code Compliance 
Coordinate with the Code Compliance Office to walk 60 minutes per week through Laverne Johnson Park , Bohn Park, and other areas within the Town of Lyons 
Model responsible dog-owner behavior * 

QUALIFICATIONS: 
The Bark Rangers serve as representatives of the parks while helping to make visitors and residents feel welcome and safe. Rangers should be friendly, outgoing, enthusiastic about the parks, and comfortable speaking to everyday visitors one-on-one. The Bark Ranger Team should model good dog/owner behaviors, follow the BARK Ranger standards, and feel comfortable educating the public about the related rules of the park. 

——————-
* Dogs will be tested to demonstrate behavior consistent with Bark Ranger standards. Some AKC Canine Good Citizen standards may also be used. All applicants will be interviewed.
** Dogs participating in the Bark Ranger program must have documentation of current vaccinations and boosters. Owners participating must be in good-standing with the Town of Lyons
*** Participation is limited to 8 volunteers, must be 18 or older to participate

NEXT STEPS:
An orientation for volunteers will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks. If interested please submit your contact information below!=== Questions? Email the Bark Rangers coordinator at zbertges@townoflyons.com