Skiptown — a "Disney World for dogs" — opens in Denver this summer

A massive off-leash dog park — complete with boarding, training and grooming services, plus a full bar for pet owners — breaks ground in Denver's River North district Wednesday.

Why it matters: Denver is a dog town , so it's only fitting that what's been described as a "Disney World for dogs" is being built here.

The big picture: Skiptown , which opened its flagship in 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina, will debut its second "oasis for dogs" at 3833 Steele St. in the York Street Yards this summer.

• All of its services — dog boarding, daycare, and access to the park, bar and daytime coffee service — will be available with free membership on Skiptown's app .
• Paid memberships, ranging from $40-$300 per month, come with a variety of perks, like extended daycare hours and gift passes for friends and family. Denverites who sign up early as "founding members" get their dog's portrait on the wall.

What they're saying: "It's meant to be a really high-end experience for dogs and for people," CEO and founder Meggie Williams tells us.

Zoom in: The $6 million indoor-outdoor facility totals 50,000 square feet — including about 27,000 of outdoor space — and will employ 100 people, Williams says.

• Skiptown will also feature a splash area and self-cleaning and cooling turf.

Fun facts: A team of people trained in canine behavior, called "Skippers," monitor the park to ensure dogs are playing safely.

• They also pick up dog droppings, taking the responsibility away from pet parents.

What's next: Williams says Denver's Skiptown location will open in late August or September.

• A third location is in the works in Atlanta.