Citizen Committee to Discuss Dog Park in Fenton

Darlys Preslar made a suggestion to the Fenton Board of Aldermen recently that the city consider building a park for dogs as a community enhancement. She ended up as the head of a citizen committee that will investigate the idea and make a formal recommendation.

Details about a possible dog park will come from the local committee that will look into whether there is enough interest in in such a facility.

To that end, Preslar is seeking the help of Fenton residents who would like to join the committee and work out the details. Several things need to be addressed including the cost, location, maintenance and other issues before a park could become a reality, she said.

"The idea of a dog park in Fenton has come up several times but it always came down to how to pay for it, said Preslar, who served as a Fenton aldermen for one term following the death of her husband, Fenton Alderman Charles Preslar.

Darlys says she is happy to be heading up the committee to see a dog park established and says there are many details yet to be worked out before a plan is implemented.

"We are in the very early stages of it," she said. "I'd love to see a dog park in Fenton."

Preslar said she has adopted two rescued Scottie in the past year and has met a variety of other Scotty owners as a result. Often, the get-togethers are at a local dog park.

Preslar says building a dog park is not only a matter of providing for the dogs, but for the pet owners needs as well. Water and toilet facilities would have to be provided and possibly even a pavilion to keep people out of the hot sun. A fence tends to be the biggest cost item, she said.

The main goal of the committee initially is how much interest there is in a Fenton dog park. Preslar says funding for the park wouldn't necessarily have to be from city funds, but could be generated through a variety of fund-raisers.

Those interested in being part of the effort to have a dog park built in Fenton are encouraged to apply to be a member of the committee that will be formulating a plan. The main requirement is that a committee member must be a resident of the City of Fenton. Preslar says that once the committee is formed there will be some meetings where the details for a Fenton dog park will be worked out.

To apply for a spot on the committee, send an email to parkdirector @fentonmo.org