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: March 25, 2026

The Dog Park Project continues to move forward through planning, community involvement, and Board review.

Community members have begun independent fundraising efforts and are seeking donations and sponsorships from local businesses. This effort is being organized separately from the POA. Information about fundraising opportunities will be shared on the website and social media as it becomes available.

Community volunteers are also assisting with evaluating material costs and planning needs for the proposed site.

The POA is currently reviewing liability considerations and any necessary insurance adjustments to support the safe operation of the dog park.

A preliminary site located on greenbelt land has been identified and discussed at recent Board and Community Conversation meetings. The proposed location, just off of Camino Baca Grande, did not prompt objections from attendees. This site has not yet received formal Board approval, and final design and cost estimates cannot be completed until a location is officially approved.

The project has been defined as approximately one acre, with about 0.90 acres designated for a large dog area and 0.10 acres for a separately fenced small dog area. The POA plans to provide two picnic tables and will explore additional seating options using natural or repurposed materials.

Pending Decisions

Several key decisions are still required before the project can move into final planning and construction.

1. The proposed site must receive formal Board approval before final cost estimates, fundraising targets, and a construction timeline can be established.

2. The Board must consider whether to adopt changes to the POA’s Commercial General Liability policy, which may result in ongoing additional insurance costs.

3. The Board must determine how it will contribute financially to the project. Options under consideration include a direct contribution, matching funds, gap funding, or providing materials and labor through existing resources.

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

Project updates will be posted on this webpage as they become available.

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 also have opportunities to contribute through monetary and supply donations.

Fundraising efforts have begun and are being organized independently by community volunteers. The POA is sharing the official fundraising link for those who wish to support the project: GoFundMe!

The POA Board will determine how it will contribute financially to the project once overall costs are finalized. Options under consideration include matching funds, a challenge grant tied to fundraising goals, or gap funding to complete the project.

Click here to Donate!

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.