Pups Play, Owners Socialize: Wixom unleashes new indoor dog amusement park

They’re always excited to see us. They’ll wag their tails when we walk through the front door. They’ll comfort us by our side when we don’t feel good. They might even sleep in our beds next to us every night. 

They’re a man’s best friend — dogs. 

While dogs certainly make each day better and brighter, Katie Isenberg knows that we simply do not get enough time with our furry friends. The dog mom of two recalls coming home after work to her Australian Cattle dog, who wanted attention, walks, and play time.

During the cold, dark winter, she didn’t always feel safe walking him alone. She longed for a place that was safe, fun, and indoor. It didn’t exist, so she created it. Her business endeavor, Bark Bark Adventure Park, aims to bring owners and their dogs together for more quality time. 

Before launching her business, Isenberg was working in T.V. doing sports advertising. She began looking to get out of the stressful corporate culture and longed to be her own boss. She also had another love — dogs. She put the two together and opened Bark Bark Adventure Park on Jan. 30, 2026.

“My whole purpose of my business is to bring something to the community for them to use, change things over time and make it new and interesting as we go along,” she says. “I wanted to help rescues and have a place to do adoptions and other community-based things people can come to. I basically wanted to create a place for people to be with their dog and have a place to go. We don’t get a lot of time with them, and I wanted a place for them to be together doing activities.”

Isenberg compares the 8,000-square-foot space to an amusement park for dogs and a social space for dog owners. The indoor park has a fenced-in ‘ring’ for the unleashed play, a space for 25+ pound dogs, a space for small dogs, a Fetch snack bar, and a retail area featuring local makers’ dog-related items.

Isenberg says the central Metro Detroit location makes for a good fit.

“Wixom is beneficial because there are so many communities around there that sort of butt up to it, so it benefits the outside communities as well,” she says. 

Being able to take your dog on the indoor walking track regardless of the weather is also a bonus, and many dog owners are hesitant to take their furry friends to a traditional outdoor dog park.

“A lot of the time, I hear that the outdoor dog parks are kind of considered like a ‘wild wild west’ because some people might not stay up-to-date with their vaccinations or don’t care if their dog is a little more rowdy than others,” she says. “I’ve found from talking to people that they feel comfortable and safe in a more secure environment where we check vaccinations, have cameras in case there’s a problem, and control the environment better.”

The owner is currently working to add TVs to create a more lounge feel, as well as looking into adding beverages. Bark Bark also offers daily daycare options, but the initial goal was to provide a safe space for pet owners to build a community, meeting other dog owners and spending more time with their dogs. There are regular meetup groups for those with small dogs, senior dogs, and introverted dogs.

Obedience classes and agility classes are also available too. All classes are led by an AKC-certified trainer, Alex Sezgi. 

“She knows dogs very well and has a location for her training in Brighton, Sezgi Haus K9,” Isenberg says. “She handles all of our training and agility classes from the starters to the novice as far as their experience levels.”

Since opening, dog owners have expressed their approval of the new business, appreciative of the safety levels in terms of cameras, vaccination levels and other safeguards in place. The owner hopes more people hear about their offerings and bring their dogs to the space.

Also on Isenberg’s to-do list is to add puppy yoga. In the future, she hopes to offer dog food drives, adoptions, and collaborate more with other small businesses. 

Dog owners can get a one-day pass to try out the space, an auto-renewal 30-day monthly pass, or a discounted yearly pass. Human visitors must be 18 years or older due to safety reasons. 

Located at 2083 N. Wixom Road in Wixom, Bark Bark Adventure Park is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.

Photos by David Lewinski.