Diamondhead, Miss., is a dynamic community with a lot to offer. A population of over 8,000 enjoys an active lifestyle in a tranquil setting. There is an airport with complete amenities available to the public, four swimming pools for members and guests, two championship golf courses and the only indoor/outdoor, state-of-the-art Golf Academy with 10 lighted hydra-clay tennis courts available at The Tennis Club, and a marina with direct access to the Bay of St. Louis. With all the available activities for residents of Diamondhead, there was something missing. Barbara Easler, a resident and volunteer, voiced her need, “My dog needed socialization and needed somewhere close and there was nowhere to take my dog.”

“We must build a much-needed dog park for our citizens to socialize and as a gathering place.”

Mayor Nancy Depreo, City of Diamondhead

   Diamondhead Mayor Nancy Depreo realized with local input that, “We must build a much-needed dog park for our citizens to socialize and as a gathering place.” A state-of-the-art dog park became the dream of a group of residents. An energetic Steering Committee of 15 residents met. They planned and held their first successful Dog Park Day fundraiser in April of 2021 with a temporary PetSmart Come and Play Portable Community Park for Dogs and Pet Parents. Then the vision expanded, the Diamondhead 2^nd Annual Dog Park Day was planned for 2022 because the committee wanted to make the design for the dog park bigger and better. Experts were consulted and there was great community support. 
   April 9, 2022, was designated as Diamondhead’s 2nd Annual Dog Park Day and the steering committee got busy planning the event. This 501(c)(3) non-profit fundraiser attracted and involved participants from the community and across the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Nearly 400 patrons were estimated to have attended this year’s event.

   Azure skies prevailed as vendors pitched tents on the south side of Diamondhead along Airport Drive to offer arts and crafts at the future Dog Park site located on the city’s Twin Lakes property at 4040 Twin Lakes Lane. A conceptual site plan reveals the new Dog Park built around the Twin Lakes fishing pier, nature trail and community pavilion. Separate zones have been designated for small dogs and larger breeds to run off leash and enjoy different pet-friendly obstacles and amenities like covered, shaded areas and splash pads. The park is being supported by community donations and grants, one of which was awarded to the city in January in the amount of $150,000.  
The new park will join five off-leash dog parks in the area including Waveland’s Bark Park, F.E.T.C.H. Park in Long Beach, the Harrison County Dog Park and the Seabee Dog Park, both in Gulfport, and Larroux Park in Bay St. Louis, all located within 20 miles of Diamondhead.

   Dog delights were offered by vendors during the 2^nd Annual Dog Park Day event and a “Put Your Paw Where It Counts” silent auction enticed bidders for a chance to take home many wonderful items that included paintings, jewelry, and a decanter of “Bird Dog Salted Caramel Flavored Whiskey.” The Steering Committee did a fabulous job of filling the tents and attracting dog lovers from Diamondhead to Pascagoula. Cakes and cupcakes were baked for a cake walk. to join in the fundraising activities. “Best Dog Gone Chef Competition,” could be entered to win cash and trophies. Any recipe using sausage could be entered. It would be a People’s Choice event, where everyone was encouraged to taste and vote. A team of four men who started Bar B Quing for the neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina was led by Shane Finley. Their team, “Tonque Candy,” won with its “Pig Shots,” a delicious concoction of sausage rolled in a biscuit.  Team CM, Mike Reso, cooked up a 2nd Place win with Jambalaya, and Team Lu Lu, Layne Depreo, won 3rd Place with Shrimp Jambalaya.

   The Dog Parade brought out the Best Dressed, “Duchess,” Best Tail Wagger, “Jack,” Best Dog Vocal Performance, “Alfie,” Best Trick, “Destin.” The winners were separated as dogs big, medium and small. Let’s not forget the Dog Pie Eating contest that surprised us all! After one sniff, not even a lick! Many dogs refused it all. There were pie eating winners who devoured theirs and their neighbors’, to the delight of all the humans. Winners: Large Dog, “Remi,” Medium Dog, “Harley,” Small Dog, “Winnie.” The sights and sounds were all around with every four-legged participant leashed and looking pampered and paraded, not a bark or a growl.  Everyone was on their best behavior and enjoying it all.

   Diamondhead School of Fine Art was there to paint faces and inform the community of their extensive offerings that include sign language interpretation, dance, theater, and many other specialties, and of course, art classes. Many businesses displayed their wares in support of the fundraising efforts. Free Pelican’s Snoballs, if a bag of dog food is donated to the Hancock County Animal Shelter, or eat free popcorn just because you came out in support of the fundraiser. Lazy Gator sponsored the drink trailer, and Eric Ross was the Master of Ceremonies keeping the action and announcements moving.
   The 2nd Annual Diamondhead Dog Park Days was declared a success and the groundbreaking for the city’s new Dog Park will be announced in the next couple of months. Donations to help make the Diamondhead Dog Park a reality can be dropped off at City Hall, 5000 Diamondhead Circle, Diamondhead, MS, 39525. Call (228) 222-4626 for more information.

On the cover: City of Diamondhead Dog Park Steering Committee members Barbara Easler, Rosemary Bridges and Karen Meier.

Susan Weller

Years of living along the Gulf Coast with a penchant for capturing photographs of smiling faces and beautiful places has brought Susan Weller to Seaside Social News. “This tenure will enhance my opportunities to capture and promote the exciting venues and activities generated by our lovely Gulf Coast and the people who live and celebrate life’s joys.”