Fenton Dog Park Group Advances its Cause

The Fenton Dog Park Project executive board has been advancing its cause as it strives to provide a place for dogs and their owners in the City of Fenton.

The board's most recent work has centered around establishing non-profit status for the group, a designation that will help it raise funds to build the facilities needed for a dog park.

To that end, those interested in the dog park project had to write and approve by-laws as well as elect a board of directors. Darlys Preslar was named as the Fenton Dog Park Project president. Other elected officers include Colleen Daues, vice president; Callie Rogers, treasurer; and at-large members Diane Quitmeyer, Christy Ball and Lisa Meissner.

The group received some welcome news recently when St. Louis County Parks Department showed interest in a dog park in one of two county parks in the Fenton area -- Unger Park, just outside the city limits, and George Winter Park, in Fenton.

Preslar said there also is another St. Louis County municipality interested in a dog park project, but she decined to name that city yet.

"It's been a real important development" Preslar said.

The City of Fenton has yet to show any formal interest in establishing a dog park in the city. Preslar will be making a pitch and explaining the program to an aldermanic committee Thursday.

Part of Fenton's reluctance to eagerly embrace the Fenton Dog Park Project may be financial. Preslar said the dog park project group hopes to generate revenue for a park vie a fund-raisers, grants and with the collection of a modest membership fee from dog owners who want to use the park.

While many people are eagerly awaiting such a facility, Preslar says it takes "about two to three years to get a dog park up and going"

The Fenton Dog Park Project board meets once a week, with general membership meetings monthly. For more information contact FentonDogPark.com or contact Preslar at dpreslar@sbcglobal.net