It’s time once again for the spotlight to shine on St. Louis’ top dog: The Gateway Arch National Park Foundation is looking for the next B.A.R.K. Superintendent.
The annual B.A.R.K. Ranger Photo Contest is now accepting submissions from dog owners, with the winner to be determined via public vote.
B.A.R.K. stands for: Bag your pet’s waste; Always leash your pet; Respect wildlife; and Know where you can go.
“A good B.A.R.K. Superintendent is passionate about parks and St. Louis and excited to be an ambassador for Gateway Arch National Park,” said Camille Brooks, Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s director of programming and events. “While we love a good personality and a great photo, ultimately, the public will decide the winner by voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. The dog photo with the most ‘likes’ will be named the B.A.R.K. Superintendent.”
In addition to being chosen as the Gateway Arch’s official four-legged ambassador, the winning pooch will throw out the honorary “First Fetch” at the St. Louis Cardinals game on May 6.
The winner will also receive a prize pack filled with goodies from the Gateway Arch and contest sponsor Purina, as well as preside over the National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. Ranger events throughout the year.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program promotes responsible and safe pet handling at Gateway Arch National Park and other national parks across the country.
“The park is family- and pet-friendly with 5 miles of walking trails, most of which are pretty flat and ideal for stroller and wheelchair accessibility,” Brooks noted, adding the arch grounds comprise of 91 acres of urban greenspace and two reflection ponds that are perfect for picnics and games of fetch.
To enter the contest, submit a photo of your dog in front of the Gateway Arch or Old Courthouse by email through April 21. Public voting on the Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s Facebook page will take place between April 14 and 21.
After a winner is announced, the top dog will appear during an induction ceremony at noon on Sunday, April 30, which also happens to be B.A.R.K. Ranger Day at the Gateway Arch National Park. The event is open to the public, and pet-friendly activities and giveaways are planned following the program.
