Combination dog park, bar planned for Saukville

Dogs and their humans may soon have a place to play and hang out year-round, no matter the weather.

The Saukville Plan Commission last week approved a certificate of compliance for Rock and Rollovers Bark and Brew Yard, a combination indoor dog park and tavern.

Alexander Rockow, who submitted the plan, said Rock and Rollovers is the kind of place he would like to take his two dogs, Triton and Louie.

“There’s really not much around our area like it,” he said. “There are similar places out in Menomonee Falls and Appleton but I would like to target our community and  ... give people more flexibility when it comes to playing with their dogs and other dogs and enjoying themselves at the same time with a beer or wine.”

Dog parks, he said in a plan submitted to the village, are weather dependent and don’t offer refreshments. They often have inadequate lighting for evening visits and are frequently unsanitary.

And traditional dining establishments only allow dogs on outdoor patios, and when they are allowed inside it’s on-leash, which “inhibits natural canine socialization and can potentially trigger leash aggression between animals.”

The Grafton resident said he’s been looking for a spot in the area for Rock and Rollovers. He hopes to locate the facility at Conservancy Court but doesn’t have a lease finalized.

Plans for the tavern and dog play area include an off-leash play area with turf flooring for dogs, a wash and groom station and a taproom where people could keep an eye on their pets while relaxing or keep them close on a leash.

“Dogs require regular exercise and socialization, which becomes particularly challenging given our local climate conditions throughout the year,” Rockow wrote in a plan submitted to the village.

“There is perhaps no better way to meet the needs of both humans and their furry companions than by providing a dedicated space where dogs can run freely, play and socialize while their owners relax with refreshments, music and special events.”

The facility would give people “a unique social experience” where they don’t have to choose between spending time with their dog and enjoying social activities.

In addition to its normal activities, the facility would hold special live music performances on select evenings, the plan states.

The facility could also host breed-specific time meet-ups, adoption drives, training workshops and seasonal celebrations, according to the plan.

Rock and Rollovers aims to draw young urban professionals living in apartments, young families and empty nesters “who treat their pets as family members and enjoy socializing with fellow dog enthusiasts,” the plan states.

The facility would draw customers from throughout the North Shore area, as well as southern Sheboygan and eastern Washington counties.

The facility would be open to people with day passes, and monthly memberships would be available.

Dog owners would have to provide proof of vaccination for their canines, the plan states, and dogs would be assessed to determine their temperament.

Staff members would monitor the dog interactions and maintain sanitation.

Plans call for Rock and Rollovers to be open Tuesdays through Sundays. It would be closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance.

Eventually, Rockow wrote, he hopes to add an outdoor patio with an off-leash area. Even if that doesn’t come to fruition, he said, there will be a patio area for dogs to do their duty.

Rockow said he hopes to open Rock and Rollovers in early to mid-summer.

In other action, the Plan Commission approved certificates of compliance for three businesses that plan to occupy spaces at 460 E. Green Bay Ave.

Isabella Anya hopes to open the boutique fitness studio The Homebody, which will offer private personal training, hybrid online coaching and small group training by appointment Mondays through Saturdays.

Grace Lanser, a licensed cosmetologist, plans to open Grace Pure Beauty, a small hair salon offering cuts, coloring and facial waxing on weekdays.

And Ashley Strong, a certified nail technician, plans to open Wild and Polished by Ashley, a private nail salon specializing in high-quality manicures, pedicures and custom nail enhancements on weekdays.