We will be looking towards 2024 to build our dog park. Thank you to everyone who has been offering their support. Have a great burn 2023!
Help me build a sacred place
on The Playa to pay tribute
to man’s best friend
For the first time at Burning Man,
a dog park where no dogs are allowed
When people come back to Black Rock City next year, many of them will have had to leave their beloved pets at home. But at the NO DOGS ALLOWED Dog Park, they can enjoy virtual tail wags, pretend pets, and imaginary slobbery kisses from a menagerie of artistic pooches.
I’ve received an Honoraria Grant Award from Burning Man to help jumpstart the project, but need your donation to bring the dog park to life.
My vision is a place where all dogs are accepted and get the love they need and deserve. They’re always there for us, and we should be there for them.
From companions to service dogs, from pure breeds to rescues, and from mutts to mixes, dogs really are man’s best friend. My art tells me that "NO DOGS ALLOWED" is not true. We do have dogs on the Playa, and you can come to the BRC Dog Park and think about all the wonderful dogs in your life—past and present—and get all the snuggles and fun you want.
Learn more about my project in this video!
Come out and play
The specs
The Dog Park will be a 50-square-foot abstract interpretation of a dog park, enclosed by a 3-foot-high wall constructed of stained woods with a glowing white band throughout.
•An arched entrance with a double gate
•A large abstract potted wood tree with nighttime lights in the center of the park
•A big red wooden dog house for citizens to enter
•A lighted 10’ x 15’ painted wooden Rainbow Bridge arching out from the park into the sky
•At night, the Dog Park will be washed in a glowing band of ever-changing colors
The dogs
Inside the Dog Park, Black Rock City citizens will find a delightful collection of dog sculptures of all shapes and sizes.
•Multiple breeds and rescues
•Some will be transparent and glowing from within; others will have coats of many colors
•Some dogs will be dressed in Playa gear
•Some will be blank canvases for citizens to adorn
The fun
Just as in IRL, Black Rock City citizens must close the double gate after they enter the park so no dogs escape onto the Playa!
•Burners will be able to take a dog for a walk around the park
•Burners can climb the Rainbow Bridge and pay tribute to past pets while they gaze across the Playa
•Some dogs will have recording devices embedded in them so Burners can create their own barks and dog messages which will then be triggered to play back
•Grab a MOOP bag to help with cleanup of the Playa
•Burners can test their skills on the agility course
Hi, I’m Ron Rodrigues, and I love dogs
I’m also a San Francisco-based artist who’s been creating dog sculptures and mannequins for both businesses and individuals for more than 15 years. My parents were both visual merchandising artists here in San Francisco, and I grew up surrounded by art, designers, and builders. I followed in their footsteps, and over the years, I’ve been lucky to bring people together from around the world to create incredible products and installations. I’m thrilled I now get to use my skills and my passions to give back to the Burning Man family that has meant so much to me over the years and create this special homage to our favorite companions, including my own wonderful dog, Bochy the beagle.
The vision
Nominate your dog for our Best In Show competition to be judged on their character, not their appearance
We’ll select three dogs who have physical challenges and build a sculpture in their honor. During Burning Man, the three dogs will be judged on their character, not their appearance. After the event, we’ll donate your dog’s sculpture to the shelter of your choice. Use the form to tell us why your dog is special despite—or because of!—their challenges.
Are you a Burning Man fashion designer?
I’d love to work with you to design the perfect Playa gear for one of our dogs: goggles, utility belt, tutu—the sky’s the limit. Just fill out the form, and I’ll get in touch to chat about your vision.
Calling all volunteers
To make the NO DOGS ALLOWED project happen, I need volunteers. If you want to see this vision come to life, sign up here. I’ll send you opportunities to help: the prebuild, install on the Playa, volunteering at the park during Burning Man, park tear down and pack out. Thank you!
Make a donation
We need your help in bringing our dog park to the Playa in 2021!