Please support me in asking the City of Maplewood to expand and improve the off-leash area in Kellogg Park (into something resembling the photo above). Maplewood is a dog friendly community, from shops like Airedale Antics, to the high concentration of dog daycares in the area, to the many dog-friendly restaurant patios. With more young adults choosing to settle in Maplewood, having a high-quality dog park is an attractive and necessary amenity.

The current park pales in comparison to others in the area. Standing at .40 acres, the park served 227 members in 2015, just below the maximum cap of 250. The average user visited the dog park three times a week and spent over 30 minutes at each visit. 60% of users had a graduate degree or above and about the same percentage were under the age of 50. Research has shown being out in a park, makes us more likely to be physically active. Unfortunately, the reverse is true for users of the Maplewood Dog Park. Members who visited the dog park more often, were less likely to be physically active. 82% of users said the dog park does not encourage them to be physically active, and the top three requests were a larger park, a walking trail, and better landscaping.

Maplewood needs a better park to accommodate the needs of the growing dog-owning community. With Missouri being in 36th place for most unhealthy state in the nation, its time we build a healthier park for healthier people and dogs! If you live in Maplewood or Richmond Heights, please sign my petition to support the expansion of the off-leash area in Kellogg Park and the inclusion of a walking trail. 

The Proposal: Expand the current park along the creek to the Metro station. Install an oblong walking trail and landscape with native plants and trees (like this or the photo above).Cost: $45,000 (including $13,000 from donations, light volunteer labor and local grants) 

A similar park concept in Kansas City: Waggin' Trail

Thank you,

Adelina

If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me.