Bannock Bark Park in Pocatello, Idaho Closes This Week for Dead Tree Removal
Dog owners in downtown Pocatello will need to seek alternative options for their pets this week as the Bannock Bark Park has temporarily closed for tree removal work. The popular off-leash dog park, located at Center Street and Union Pacific, closed Tuesday, April 21, and is expected to remain closed through Friday while a private contractor removes several dead trees from the property.
The City of Pocatello confirmed the closure is necessary to allow the work to be completed safely and efficiently, with crews needing full access to the park grounds throughout the project. Once the removal work wraps up by the end of the week, the park is expected to reopen for normal use.
Safety Work Backed by Grant Funding
City officials say the tree removals at the Bannock Bark Park are part of routine safety maintenance and fall under a broader urban forestry initiative made possible through grant funding awarded to the City of Pocatello. The use of outside grant dollars to fund the work means the project does not rely solely on local taxpayer money, a detail that reflects the city’s effort to pursue available resources for infrastructure and public space improvements.
Urban forestry maintenance — including the removal of dead or hazardous trees — is an important component of public safety in parks and along city streets. Dead trees pose significant risks to park visitors and pets alike, particularly during high winds or severe weather events common to Southeast Idaho. Proactive removal helps the city avoid liability and protects residents who use public spaces year-round.
For dog owners who rely on the Bannock Bark Park as a regular destination, the closure is temporary. The city has not announced any alternative off-leash locations for use during the closure period, so pet owners may want to plan accordingly through the end of the week.
Larger Urban Forestry Project Coming This Summer
The work at the bark park is only the beginning of a more extensive urban forestry effort planned across Pocatello. According to the city, the broader project will extend well beyond the park itself. Over the summer months, the city plans to remove and replace trees in multiple areas throughout downtown and in other parts of the city.
When the full project is complete, nearly 200 new trees are expected to be planted across Pocatello. That level of tree replacement represents a significant investment in the city’s green infrastructure and long-term quality of life for residents. New tree plantings can improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods and commercial corridors — all without ongoing government spending burdens, given the grant-backed funding structure.
The initiative is part of what city leaders have described as ongoing urban forest improvements, a multi-phase effort to assess, refresh, and expand Pocatello’s tree canopy. Downtown areas and high-traffic corridors are expected to be among the priority zones for new plantings this summer.
The timing of the work — during spring and into summer — aligns with best practices for tree planting and removal, giving newly planted trees the best opportunity to establish strong root systems before winter.
As Pocatello continues investing in its public spaces and downtown corridors, community members may also be interested in other local events and activities taking shape this spring. Live horse racing is set to return to Pocatello Downs in the coming months, offering another option for outdoor recreation and community gathering. Additionally, Southeast Idaho has been making headlines on the athletic front, including Marsh Valley’s Lydia Townsend emerging as one of the nation’s top pole vaulters.
What Comes Next
The Bannock Bark Park is expected to reopen to the public following the conclusion of tree removal work on Friday, April 25. Dog owners are encouraged to check with the City of Pocatello for any updates on the reopening timeline should additional work be required. The larger summer tree replacement program is anticipated to begin in the coming months, with nearly 200 trees slated for planting in downtown Pocatello and surrounding areas as part of the city’s grant-funded urban forestry improvements.