Dr Scott Miller Officially Opens Brand-New Bark Park at Homewood Grove

Dr Scott Miller, well known for his More4 show, Vet on the Hill, and for being resident vet on ITV’s This Morning, officially opened the brand-new “Bark Park” at Rangeford Villages’ Homewood Grove in Chertsey, a pet-friendly later living community for the over 60s. The park has been innovatively designed for exercising dogs.

Dr. Scott joined village owners, some very special dog residents, representatives from Rangeford Villages, and members of the local community to mark this significant milestone. The event featured an official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Scott and a series of speeches. The dog attendees even tried out the bespoke park. Guests then continued the celebrations on the terrace at Oak & Honey, where refreshments were served alongside the first BBQ of the year.

Designed to keep the owners’ K9 friends super fit and active, the new Bark Park is a welcome addition to the stunning integrated retirement community. The facility offers 750 sq. ft area of dedicated outdoor space for residents to exercise their dogs and enjoy some off-lead fun, in a safe and enclosed environment. The park comes complete with a dog agility area, as well as a seating area for owners with café-style lighting, so that it can be used day or night, as well as plenty of shaded areas to shelter from the weather come rain or shine.

Howard Nankivell, CEO at Rangeford Villages, comments: “We’re delighted to introduce the new Bark Park at Homewood Grove, a space thoughtfully designed to support both our owners and their four-legged companions. The pet-friendly nature of our villages is something we are very proud of and is important to the lifestyle of our owners. This dedicated outdoor area not only encourages dogs to stay active and healthy, but also creates another opportunity for owners to connect, relax and enjoy the outdoors. The Bark Park reflects our commitment to enhancing everyday living in a way that is both social and inclusive.”

Dr Scott Miller comments: “The introduction of Bark Parks into Rangeford’s villages cements their dedication to keeping dogs and their owners together. I am genuinely so impressed with this new interactive and sensory space for canine companions. The team have designed something truly special but also supremely beneficial to the dogs lucky enough to live at Homewood Grove, allowing for dogs to enjoy highly beneficial, sensory self-exercise in safety.

“The relationship between owners and animals is akin to a relationship with one’s family. Many older people decide against pets simply because they are in the twilight of their lives and possibly don’t have the support, yet they are the perfect companion for animals having more time to devote to a furry friend. For anyone who has ever owned and loved an animal, the human animal bond is sacred, particularly in later life, and Rangeford Villages are leading from the front in ensuring that this relationship is maintained, supported, encouraged and even improved.”

Owner at Homewood Grove, Cheryl, comments: “I think it will make a big change to her [Polly] life. This will be the first time she has been off the lead outside since we moved in, it gives her an outdoor run around and the freedom to sniff. My five-year-old granddaughter will also be able to walk her in there, it’s so safe and secure.”

Fellow owner, Susan, goes onto say: “It’s perfect for us; we’re able to walk up, look at our allotment and then go into the Bark Park. It’s absolutely ideal and has great agility elements, Kylo loves doing all of that.”

Valerie, owner at the village, concludes: “It’s just lovely. We’ve got the agility obstacles that Shadow will get used to. It’s nice for us too, I shall enjoy sitting down there with the birds singing.”

The owners are very happy that the park has now been opened, providing another safe and secure place on their doorstop for their four-legged friends to play and exercise.

Rangeford’s villages have all been designed with pets in mind, and the award-winning developer takes pride in offering pet-friendly retirement communities across the UK, by offering retirees independent, pet-friendly homes and outdoor spaces that are specifically designed for them.

Alongside the Bark Park, Homewood Grove offers dogs and their owners’ access to plenty of walking paths, fields, nature and green spaces. There are landscaped gardens, outdoor seating areas and pathways for leisurely walks, and many homes have the luxury of their own private outdoor space – either a garden patio or balcony.
Rangeford will be launching similar facilities across all its villages in the future.