"Small Dog" section of Barc Parc South, off Mallard Lake Drive, will open to the public on Monday, January 28.

The long-awaited “small dog” section of Barc Parc South, off Mallard Lake Drive, will open to the public on Monday, January 28.  The 33,000 square foot addition allows space for small dogs (dog’s back height of 16 inches or less) to roam freely with other dogs of their size.  The improvements include new fencing, gates, benches, bag holders, picnic tables, water fountain, signage, trash cans and landscaping.  Some drainage work will need to be completed this spring.  With the new section, Barc Parc South now has three separate areas:  one for small dogs, one for large dogs and one for all dogs.  This latter section includes the lake.  Look for additional improvements to the entrance areas for the large dog and all dog sections.  Funding was provided by the City of Myrtle Beach and a grant from the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism PARD Fund.  Three new rules also are in place at both of the city’s off-leash dog parks.  First, children under the age of eight will not be allowed inside the park.  Second, all dogs entering the Barc Parcs must be spayed or neutered.  And third, both Barc Parcs are now “no smoking” areas; this prohibition includes vaping.  Finally, to make maintenance easier, the parks will close one morning of every week.  Beginning Monday, March 4, South Barc Parc will be closed every Monday from 6:30 to 11:00 a.m.  And effective Thursday, March 7, North Barc Parc will be closed every Thursday from 6:30 to 11:00 a.m. for maintenance.