TUPELO - Dogs were able to run free Saturday in celebration of the grand opening of Tupelo's new dog park.

Matt and April Jackson don't have a backyard for their adopted boxer mix, Champ, so the Tupelo Bark Park offers them a place to let him stretch his legs.

"And it's a great place to socialize with the dogs," said Matt Jackson. "It will be nice to let him off the leash when everything calms down a little."

The park was full of vendors and Tupelo-Lee Humane Society representatives.

The Jacksons said they plan to bring Champ back to the Bark Park.

"(Matt) plays Frisbee a lot across the street so we'll be back," April Jackson said.

Dog owners who showed up and donated $5 got to vote on a name for the park, and Tupelo Bark Park got the win by three votes over Happy Tails Dog Park.

The park, on Veterans Boulevard, gives dog owners a chance to play with their dogs off the leash and the dogs and owners a chance to socialize with others.

Julianna Sims was chasing her dog Diamond, a Labrador mix, through the wooded area of the enclosure for large dogs.

"She needs a place to just run around and play," Sims said.

Sims said she will continue to use the park because, though Diamond has a backyard, she doesn't have other dogs to play with at home.

The Tupelo Bark Park will stay open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and is free to use.

All dogs must be healthy and current on their vaccinations.

Owners are required to make sure their dogs aren't aggressive and clean up after their dogs.

The dogs must be supervised at all times and owners must have a leash nearby.

There are two enclosures, one for dogs over 30 pounds and one for small dogs.

Owners are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their dogs.

jb.clark@journalinc.com