The Dog Park Project
A Community-Driven Effort
Thank you to all members who attended the March 19 Community Conversation and contributed to the discussion on the Dog Park Project.
You can now support the project through the official fundraising link:
GoFundMe!
Scroll below for important updates!
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: Planning and Preparation
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 COMPLETE!
Phase 1 of the Dog Park Project has been completed with the following decisions:
The Board approved insurance coverage for the dog park, which will be paid annually by the POA.
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.
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.
(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 Now Underway!
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.
PHASE 2 UPDATE
Phase 2 is underway with strong community participation in both fundraising and volunteer support.
Fundraising efforts, led independently by community volunteers, have raised over $2,000 through donations and in-kind sponsorships. At this time, $4,000 remains to be raised to meet the Challenge Grant goal and unlock POA funding.
Community members have begun signing up to volunteer time, skills, labor, and tools. A volunteer coordinator will begin reaching out in May to organize next steps and begin planning for the build.
We encourage anyone interested in supporting the project to use the volunteer sign-up form on this page or visit the official fundraising link to contribute.
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.
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.