The Dog Park Project

The Dog Park Project began as a resident-led effort, supported by a group of community members who gathered a petition expressing interest in a designated off-leash area. That petition was presented at November 2025 POA Board meeting, helping to formally demonstrate what many already knew: there is broad interest in creating a safe, shared space for dogs and their people.

The Baca Grande POA Board has discussed the possibility of a dog park for some time. While funding and long-term sustainability have been important considerations, the combination of resident support and a volunteer-driven approach has made it possible to move the project forward. By working together through community involvement, donations, and Board support, the Dog Park Project is now transitioning from an idea into an active planning effort.

How the Dog Park Project Moves Forward

Moving from concept to reality requires planning, coordination, and community involvement. The Dog Park Project is being approached in clear phases to ensure it is built responsibly and sustainably. The project will be developed through a combination of POA staff planning and oversight, volunteer involvement, and monetary and supply donations from the community. Ongoing maintenance will also be supported through this shared effort.

Phase 1: COMPLETE!

Phase 1 focused on research, planning, and overall project development, including site selection, funding considerations, and gathering community input.

Key decisions made were:

1. The Board approved insurance coverage for the dog park, which will be paid annually by the POA.

2. The Board has committed to a Challenge Grant, requiring the community to raise half of the projected project cost before POA contributions are made. At this time, $4,000 remains to be raised to meet that goal. Click here to view the member-lead gofundme page.

3. The Board approved the proposed site location on greenbelt land north of the Water & San building and south of Camino Baca Grande, across from the Safe Routes to School parking area (coordinates 37.98582, -105.69884). Final layout details, including fence placement and parking, are still to be determined and will require coordination with Baca Water & San and Saguache County, along with further evaluation of the site. An environmental impact study will also be conducted as part of the planning process.

4. The Board approved a variance to allow a dog park on greenbelt designated land.

The map above provides a general overview of the approved site location for the dog park.

(Map is for general reference only and does not represent final design or fence placement.)

See below for sponsor and volunteer sign-up.

Phase 2: NOW UNDERWAY!

Phase 2 focuses on community participation through volunteer support and fundraising efforts. Community members are encouraged to sign up to assist with manual labor, provide tools or materials, and support the project in a variety of ways.

Fundraising efforts, organized independently by community volunteers, are currently underway. The Baca POA Board of Directors have committed to a Challenge Grant, requiring the community to raise half of the projected project cost before POA contributions are made. At this time, about $4,000 remains to be raised to meet that goal.

To support the project or learn more, please visit the official member-led fundraising page: GoFundMe!

Current Sponsors

Phase 3: Construction and Build Scheduling

Phase 3 includes scheduling the build and breaking ground at the chosen site. Construction will move forward based on available funding, volunteer availability, and site readiness, with a goal to break ground in July of 2026.

VOLUNTEER TO BUILD

Community involvement is essential to making the Dog Park Project a success. Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising, preparation, and construction.

Volunteer. Sign up. Get involved.

Use the form below to let us know how you would like to help.