I’m an idea guy. Some ideas are good, others are not. But sharing ideas is a creative outlet for me. Spending the last 17 years in destination marketing, I’ve had success in creating and leading destination marketing efforts using non-traditional methods. These non-traditional methods helped to put the tourism offices of Louisville, KY and Lexington, KY in the spotlight. I want to continue offering up creative ideas for destination marketing organizations that may be looking for a spark of inspiration for their next marketing campaign. This is all a part of my new blog series, “Destination Marketing Ideas No One Asked For” – Enjoy!
BIG BONE LICK STATE PARK.
Ever heard of it?
The name itself is one that comedians could have a field day with. But Big Bone Lick State Park, located in the Boone County city of Union, KY in Northern Kentucky, is much more than just an intriguing name. This small rural town of 7,000 people is home to one of the state’s 49 State Parks. Here, visitors can see still-active salt springs, a re-created Pleistocene marsh, 20,000-year-old fossils, or even the modern-day Ice Age descendants, bison. The park also offers a beautiful campground and an interpretive center.
In destination marketing, it is imperative that destinations know who they are and who they aren’t. Once you understand that, you can explore unique brand activations and ideas that garner media attention and put your destination in the news.
The Big Idea: “Big Bone Bark Park”
My “Destination Marketing Idea No One Asked For” for Big Bone Lick State Park is to create the state’s only dog park with obstacles built using materials shaped like bones. In addition, throughout the campgrounds, dogs are given free unlimited dog treats through a partnership with Milk-Bone. Milk-Bone would also help to build the world’s largest communal dog bone, where within the dog park, multiple dogs can eat and enjoy an oversized dog bone together.
A Park Like No Other
Imagine a dog park designed with your pet’s wildest dreams in mind. This new canine paradise features agility courses and obstacles all shaped like bones, providing not just exercise but an immersive and fun environment. Dogs will love weaving through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and playing in spaces designed just for them. Through an exciting collaboration with Milk-Bone, every dog at Big Bone Lick State Park will receive free, unlimited treats throughout the campgrounds. Whether it’s a quick snack after a romp in the park or a reward for good behavior, dog visitors will always have something to wag about.
The World’s Largest Communal Dog Bone
But that’s not all. This park will be home to the world’s largest communal dog bone! Picture a gigantic, interactive bone where dogs can come together, munch, and make new friends. It’s not just a treat; it’s a social experience that fosters community among our four-legged visitors and their owners.
More Than Just a Park
Big Bone Lick State Park is more than just a park – it’s a destination for dogs and their owners to explore, play, and connect. With this innovative dog park, unlimited treats, and the world’s largest communal dog bone, it’s setting a new standard for canine fun and adventure.
It’s just an idea, but one that could bring a unique and innovative twist to Big Bone Lick State Park. By creating a one-of-a-kind dog park and partnering with Milk-Bone, we can attract visitors from near and far, putting this charming state park on the map in a whole new way.
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