Red, white and blue colored the streets of the Park Cities Thursday morning as parade participants and onlookers were decked out in the patriotic colors of the flag.   It wasn’t just people sporting stars and stripes but dogs, ponies and horses got in on the act, too.

Central Community Dog Park was again present with a float, reminiscent of a park shaded by umbrellas and enclosed by a picket fence, inviting everyone to “Bring Your Dog to Church.” And not candy, but nearly 1000 dog biscuits were tossed from the float into the crowd.

Central Christian Church opened a community dog park on the church grounds well over a decade ago. The off-leash park sits on one-acre and is shaded by mature Live Oaks, cooled by electric fans and has plenty of seating for dog owners to sit and relax while their dog roams, sniffs and fetches.   It’s like a “play date for Fido” as many of the regulars gather at the same time each day so that people and dogs can visit with one another.  

The park is equipped with waste stations, running water, a dog bath and a “library” where you may exchange books and magazines or browse the latest issue of AKC’s "Family Dog Magazine."

Two years ago, Elder Tyson Woods began holding worship services at 9 a.m. on the first and third Sunday of the month.  The informal service includes casual dress, sing-a-longs, coffee and donuts as well as a brief lesson about God’s love for all creatures great and small.

The dog park is one of the many ways the church reaches out to the community to invite and serve everyone. It is home to a wellness center, day program for adults with disabilities, co-working space and more.

Monday begins a two-week drama and theater camp for kids that will end with an on-stage performance of show tunes. There is still space available. Visit the website.