Nature's Gym
Sesquicentennial State Park caters to canines
By Ben Higgins Higginsb2@yahoo.com

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Moki and Jesse take a break from playing to cool off in the water.

The popular Northeast Columbia attraction is now home to a two- acre fenced- in area exclusively for dogs and their owners.

Quickly becoming one of Sesqui's most popular features, the dog park has generated a fan page, www.columbiadoodledogs.com , which is devoted to Columbia dog lovers and frequented by visitors from all over Columbia.

On a quiet Saturday evening in mid- September, two dogs romp and play in the area while their owners look on.

Jessie, a tri- color female Siberian Huskie owned by Jane Barfell and Moki, a red- colored male, owned by Michael Nesbitt have become fast friends.

Jessie and Moki play a game of chase and try to outrun each other, as they plow under the tall pine and sparkleberry trees, signature elements of Sesqui's dog park.

The patch of land where Jessie and Moki play is a testament to the park's commitment to its natural environment and its need to attract visitors. The enclosure, fenced in a rectangular shape, is predominantly open space. Trees in the enclosure provide shade.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Moki is tired after a day of playing at the park.

Sesqui provides picnic tables for dog owners but makes sure their furry friends are the ones getting the special treatment. A tiny swimming pool is located at the center of the enclosure and canine visitors will want to take a splash.

"The pool is usually the time- out for the dogs playing," said Jane Barfell. "Sesqui provides it so the dogs can get a rest."

Sesqui staff also uses pine straw as a comfortable and affordable surface for dogs to run around the area.

Yet, when mixing canines and human beings, some rules are necessary to make the experience enjoyable for all. The dog park is only open during Sesqui's daylight hours and the $4 daily permits do not include park admission.

Sesquicentennial State Park has very specific requirements concerning the age of dogs and vaccination history as well as other relevant guidelines. Visitors are strongly urged to view the park's website www.southcarolinaparks.c om and click on the Dog Park Guidelines link before visiting Sesqui with their canine cohort.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson This golden retriever rests after his first trip to the Sesquicentennial State Park.

Jane Barfell has no problem with the dog park's guidelines. "The management is very good. They put in two water stations for the dogs, which are wonderful," said Barfell.

As the evening wears on, Jessie and Moki do not have the same level of spunk as earlier. Still, for these dogs and their owners, it has been a great Saturday night.