“I like dogs. They’re better than people.””

Riley

GILPIN COUNTY — In the wake of the atrocities in the current news sphere, may I suggest aggressive self-care in lieu of drinking?

Perhaps take your dog to a dog park? Or go play without a dog and enjoy the fun.

I’m assuming my readership still consists of human beings, and not yet dogs. Alas, I shall have to appeal to the lesser species.

Has your canine been cooped up in your cabin, too cozy to take part in your cahoots? Could your companion use some social time and a fun place to run and play?

Built on the premise that dogs get cabin fever too, the Gilpin County Parks and Recreation Department opened an indoor dog park in December 2025. 

The park is located inside the Barn on the fairgrounds, near the Gilpin County Community Center, and it has quickly become a Thursday night favorite.

The idea came from Recreation Coordinator Shaun Wicen, and it debuted on December 11. More than nine dogs arrived within the first half hour. More than 30 dogs visited the park that day. 

Around the barn on Thursday January 8, owners chatted while dogs did what dogs do. There was the customary sniffing. Running in circles. Fighting over the ball. An occasional snarl. Perhaps balls are a point of contention. But with responsible owners, things were quickly redirected, and the play continued.

Kathy Henderlong and her daughter, Riley had just discovered the dog park that week. “This is our first time. We just found out about it,” Kathy said as their dog Willie ran off to join the pack.

“I like dogs. They’re better than people,” said young Riley as she darted after a gang of pups.  To that, I giggled and agreed.

Another owner, Adam Witas, brought his six-year-old Pyrenees mix, Alinea. “She used to go to doggy daycare to socialize, but now she doesn’t have that, and it’s cold outside,” he said. 

Nearby, Emma and Joey, two Vizsla sisters from different litters, trotted in tandem across the barn. The pair belong to Kim Zingale, who laughed as the dogs stayed glued together, mirroring each other’s every move.

It is easy to see the appeal. For some, it is about convenience. 

One owner said her dog gets plenty of exercise, but it is great to have a place nearby where she can run with other dogs at least once a week. 

For others, it is about community. Another owner shared that after living in Golden, where the dog parks were small and often empty, it was refreshing to see so many dogs in one place.

Wicen said donations are accepted to help keep the space stocked and clean. “We are accepting donations to help buy supplies like dog bowls, poop bags, and barn cleaner, to keep it going."

Dogs must be at least four months old, spayed or neutered, and current on vaccinations. Entry is free, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for any injuries.

Every time a new dog arrived, the energy spiked. Heads lifted. Tails wagged. The greeting committee rushed the door. A new arrival meant fresh excitement, fresh sniffing, and a new round of chasing.

So every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., bring your pup for some playtime. In a world that feels heavy more often than not, it turns out a room full of dirty paws, wagging tails, and happy chaos might be exactly the kind of aggressive self-care we all need..."fur-real."

The Barn can also be opened to residents for open riding or animal use. Just ask the Community Center front desk staff during regular business hours.

The Barn is located at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds at 230 Norton Drive in Black Hawk. Parking is available in the same lot as the Community Center. Go through the lobby on the east side of the lot and enter through the double doors to access the Barn.