Dog parks available around the region

If you're looking for a way to help your pet socialize and get more exercise as the weather warms up, check out one of these dog parks around the region.KingsportKingsport has a couple dog park options around town for community members to enjoy.The first option is The Barking Lot, located at 124 Cherokee St. According to the Kingsport Parks and Recreation website, the lot is open from dawn to dark, except when events are already scheduled at the property."The Barking Lot does not have a membership requirement, and anyone can bring their dog to run and play with other dogs," the site states. "This park features benches, a fenced recreation area, doggie waste stations and a water fountain for dogs and their owners."Some of the following rules are listed for The Barking Lot:Clean up after dogs and dispose of waste in appropriate containersKeep dogs on leash before entry and after leaving the fenced in area; off leash dogs are allowed in the fenced in area onlyThere is a limit of two dogs per adultNo dogs under six months of age allowed at the parkFor more information, visit https://www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org/parks/barking-lot/.A membership-only Kingsport dog park is located at 800 Granby Road next to Hunter Wright Stadium. The three-acre park is equipped with a six-foot high chain link fence divided into separate sections for large and smaller dogs.Based on the Kingsport Parks and Recreation website page for the park, there are restrooms, water fountains, doggie waste stations, park benches and dog agility equipment available on site."Annual registration/fee (July-June) is required to use Dogwood Park to ensure that all dogs have up to date vaccinations," the site states. "The registration process provides the owner with a gate access card to enter the park and the registered dog with a "Dogwood Park" ID tag."Dogs at the park are required to wear a collar, ID tag, current rabies tag and a park registration tag.To learn more, visit https://www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org/parks/dogwood-park/.Johnson CityWhether you're the proud owner of a Shih Tzu or a Tibetan mastiff, the Johnson City Dog Park Association's dog park at Willow Springs Park has room for canines of all sizes and energy levels.The park, which was opened in 2006, features wide open spaces for dogs to roam without a leash and a small dog area at the top of the park reserved for smaller and younger members. The space also includes several obstacles and fixtures designed to provide a stimulating environment for your canine friend.In order to be allowed into the park, owners must make sure that their dogs wear tags that identify them and soft collars only. Dogs must be spayed and neutered in most cases for membership, with female dogs in heat strictly prohibited from the park. Dogs must also be up to date on vaccinations in order to gain and retain membership, according to the park's website.The park is open from dusk until dawn, barring Parks and Recreation maintenance closures every Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. to ensure the park remains clean, safe and well-maintained for all visitors.Annual membership applications cost $35. For more information on registration for membership and park requirements, visit www.johnsoncitydogpark.com.