Run Free. Play Safe. Live Unleashed.
Barkin’ for a Park began with a simple belief: dogs thrive when they have room to run, play, and socialize—off leash and out in the open.
In 2012, founder Chuck Smith partnered with the City of Stuart to bring that vision to life. What started as an idea became reality with the opening of our first off-leash dog park at Poppleton Creek, followed by a second location at Haney Creek. Both parks are open to the public, free of charge, and built to foster community—one tail wag at a time.
As a nonprofit, we rely on the generous support of local residents, businesses, and volunteers. From maintaining the parks to hosting fundraisers like our annual Golfin’ for the Dogs tournament, every effort helps keep our mission alive.
100% of donations and event proceeds go directly toward park maintenance, improvements, and expansion. Our next goal? Opening a brand-new off-leash dog park in Palm City.
Chuck Smith
President & Founder, Barkin’ for a Park
Owner, Alpha-Zeta Landscape Design/Build
Born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1959 and a proud Palm City resident since 1985, Chuck Smith is a lifelong builder—of landscapes, community, and now, dog parks. As the owner of Alpha-Zeta Landscape since 1986, Chuck has spent decades shaping the outdoor spaces of Martin County. But it was a simple pattern he noticed during his day-to-day work that sparked something bigger.
“Nearly every time I’d knock on a client’s door, they’d say, ‘Hold on, let me put the dogs away.’ And when I’d ask why, I kept hearing the same answer: ‘Our dogs don’t get out much. There’s nowhere to take them.’ That didn’t sit right with me.”
And so, Barkin’ for a Park was born—from Chuck’s passion for dogs, his love for community, and his belief that every dog deserves a place to run free and play safe.
Today, in addition to leading his landscape business, Chuck serves as:
President of the Barkin’ Board (RUFF RUFF!)
Chair of the Palm City Neighborhood Advisory Board
He’s also an avid snow skier, a lifelong golfer, and a champion for creating off-leash dog parks across Martin County. With two parks already thriving, Chuck’s mission is clear: bring an off-leash dog park to every part of the county.