Dog Park Project

Development Structure for Dog Park – 520 Des Peres

Skinker DeBaliviere Community Housing Corporation (SDCHC) did establish (at its 1/3/18 Board meeting) a Project Team to develop part of the east Des Peres lots (520-532) into a SD Neighborhood Dog Park.

The Board also said they were willing to fund the water service to the site with proceeds from the Walker Townhouse Project if there is a Skinker DeBaliviere (SD) group of neighbors that organizes into a SDCC Dog Park committee/group.

Responsibilities:

SDCHC 520 Des Peres Dog Park Project Team –  Underway

1. Help get a group of SD neighbors that are interested in the creation and use of a Dog Park get organized and started
2. Work with the SD neighbors to design and fund the Dog Park
3. Make sure that the development meets the City’s Dog Park Ordinance
4. Engage professional services as necessary for the design
5. Engage contractors and suppliers necessary for the construction
6. Insure that all invoices & bills are paid and Wavier of Liens received
7. Manage the construction dispersing account

Neighbors form a Dog Park Committee

4-6 Resident Leaders Needed – Completed

1. Organize neighbors that want a Dog Park in SD into an action committee
2. Work to get neighborhood support for the park
3. Become a “group” (an entity) under Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council (SDCC)
   1. SDCC becomes the receiver of tax deductible donations of funds for Dog Park’s development
   2. SDCC accounts for the donations and passes them onto the construction dispersing acct.
   3. SDCC holds (member fees) & accounts for annual operating funds for the Dog Park
4. Work with the SDCHC Dog Park Project Team on the design of the DP Dog Park
5. Get the City’s application petition for a Dog Park signed (property owners within the circle)
6. Setup a membership & governance structure for the users of the Dog Park

Value To Community:

• Serve as catalyst for Des Peres Greening & Neighborhood Core Goals (See master plan)
• A high-use park would help security at Des Peres/Delmar, an entry point from Metrolink
• Dog parks increase property values
• Well-exercised dogs are less likely to be a nuisance to others
• Dogs help people form social relationships beyond race, age and income
• Could be visible from Delmar Loop and serve as tremendous “advertising” for neighborhood

Expenses/Fundraising

Raise money to support building, marketing & sustaining Dog Park –  Underway

• Estimated Project Costs – $40-50,000
• Amounted Raised to Date: About 40% have been identified. Should be more down the road.
• SDCC Investment: SDCC and/or Dog Park Group may need to do minimal fundraising

Event – Pop-Up Dog Park!

Saturday, October 13, 11am-2pm
520 Des Peres, Next to St. Louis Public School Admin Building Parking Lot

Activities for the Day:

• Dogs Play Unleashed
• Door Prize Drawing
• Meet the DP Leadership Team Members
• Sign Up As Potential Members
• Meet Other Dog Owner Neighbors

Sponsored By Skinker DeBaliviere Community Housing Corporation and Washington University of St. Louis: