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 focuses on planning, site preparation, and establishing the overall project scope. The POA grant writer is actively researching available grant opportunities to help support the project. We are currently touring potential locations for the dog park. POA staff, along with a Baca Grande member serving as a Dog Park Project representative, are conducting site walks to plan the placement of the large breed and small breed off-leash areas.

During this phase, key logistical decisions are being evaluated, including fencing needs, equipment requirements, and tools necessary for construction. Once the site walk is complete and the overall scope and budget are finalized, a fundraising goal will be established. The POA Board will then determine how best to contribute financially, which may include matching funds, a challenge grant that releases POA funds once the fundraising goal is met, or gap funding to cover remaining costs after fundraising is complete.

Phase 1: Planning and Preparation

UPDATE:

As of February 20, the final location for the dog park has not yet been determined. Willow Park is no longer under consideration, and updated site criteria now require the park to be located at least 200 feet from any riparian area. In evaluating potential sites, the Board and project team are considering several factors, including central accessibility for residents, adequate road access, sufficient parking capacity, minimal cactus presence, a fair and manageable slope, natural shade or the ability to install shade structures, and minimal occupied residences immediately adjacent to the site.

Preliminary material calculations have been completed for fencing a 0.9 acre large dog area and a 0.1 acre small dog area using pricing from local vendors. Estimated fencing material costs range from $4,000 to $8,000. These estimates do not include labor, site preparation, amenities such as waste stations and trash receptacles, or shade structures, as those costs will depend on the final location and site conditions.

The Board of Directors has reviewed the information collected to date and will continue discussion with the community at the upcoming Community Conversation in March. As the project progresses, the most up to date information will be posted on this webpage.

Phase 2: Fundraising and Volunteer Coordination

Phase 2 centers on community participation. Volunteers will be invited to sign up to assist with manual labor during the build and to help with fundraising efforts. Community members will also have opportunities to contribute through monetary and supply donations.

Once fundraising efforts are complete, the POA Board will discuss whether to match funds raised by volunteers or provide the remaining amount needed to complete the project.

VOLUNTEER TO FUNDRAISE

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.