Historical Summer 2023 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Grilled brats, hotdogs and refreshing beverages drew old and new neighbors to Four Corners to share their support for creating a Dog Park in Skinker-DeBaliviere. Planned for the vacant parcel north of the school annex on the east side of Des Peres, the facility will provide a space for Dog Moms and Dads to let their pups socialize with others and run around off the leash.
The event was held May 25. “Yappy Hour was our second event to raise awareness and funds to make this a reality,” said SDCC Dog Park Committee chair, Kaitlin Daniels, whose day job is business professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Drawings depicting the Dog Park show the narrow parcel will accommodate two separate enclosures shaped like dog bones. Complying with city permit requirements, small dogs will have the run of approximately 2,000 square feet (a maximum of four dogs at the same time) and large breeds will have approximately 3900 square feet (up to seven dogs). “The event even attracted neighbors who don’t own dogs,” observed committee member Nick Stefani, an engineer who handled the grill. “People realize that a dog park within easy walking distance will be an asset and amenity for the entire Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood.” The closest facility is in University City. Committee member Callie Kesel said, “Fencing is an important design element because it must be secure and functional as well as representative of our historic neighborhood.” Kesel, an architect, is coordinating with SDCC’s Historic Preservation Committee to design a combination wrought iron and mesh enclosure. Funds are needed to open the Dog Park with fresh water supply, fencing, a secure gate, and clean-up facilities. “We’re seeking contributions and grants for start-up expenses,” Daniels explained, “as well as an endowment to provide for insurance and maintenance over future years. Our goal is to offer annual memberships at a level competitive with other dog parks.” To publicize the event, Dog Park volunteers walked door-to-door to distribute thousands of “Yappy Hour” flyers designed by committee member Andy Cross. Attorney Marvin J. Nodiff (ret.) is helping with insurance. Daniels encourages all residents to voice their interest in the SDCC Dog Park.
A survey is available, and donations may be made, on the dog park’s website: https://sdccdogpark.wixsite.com/home.
Original photograph caption
Neighbors supporting the dog park at May twenty fifth Yappy Hour.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2023.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2023_06.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
