LYNN — There are improvements coming to Barkland Avenue Dog Park, thanks to a gift of labor from Obtek Services LLC.

Barkland, located on Parkland Avenue, continues to stand as the sole dog park in Lynn. The City Council’s Ways and Means Committee Tuesday accepted the gift of labor from Obtek for park improvements.

“I’d like to personally thank Obtek Services for donating their labor and materials to redo this dog park,” said Ward I Councilor and committee member Peter Meaney. 

Meaney told the committee that a constituent reached out to him with concerns over redoing the water fountains, and wanting to make sure that there’s enforcement regarding registration and tags on dogs that enter the park. 

Under laws and ordinances on the City of Lynn website, it states that all dogs using the park, “must display a valid dog tag, proof of vaccination and city dog license and must be accompanied by a handler over 18 years old.”

However, as the Item previously reported last April, park-goers said that there is little monitoring to see if owners are abiding by the regulations.

“I look forward to seeing it through to conclusion,” Meaney said, with regard to the project and enhancing the park.

Obtek Services Co-Owner John Barry said that the company has the labor force and the materials to help out, so it was a no-brainer for him to get involved.

“I just know it’s a great asset to the city, and people like to go down there,” Barry said.

The company specializes in general contracting, real estate development, commercial snow removal, and ground services.

Barry said this is not their first time volunteering their services to the community.

“If we can help out, we’re more than (open) to help out,” Barry said. “We’re a couple of Lynn guys, and we look to give back where we can, and we’re fortunate that we’re able to do that.”

On Tuesday, Lynn resident Cat Blanchard took her two children and 5-year-old dog Honey to Barkland. Concerning upgrades, she said she’d “like to see some obstacles for the dogs to play on because the park is just flat.”

It’s not yet known when construction will start on the park, or what specific renovations/additions will be made.