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West County St. Louis
News
Chairperson report
Community notes
No meeting in November but the
December meeting could be good!
The November meeting has been cancelled. Although it is not confirmed, we would like to have a holiday "meet and greet" with our dogs on a Saturday or Sunday early in December. Because West County has no off-leash areas as yet, we would meet for an on-leash group walk at a dog-friendly park or commercial location.
A "Walk for West County" beginning and ending at a dog-friendly commercial location could also serve as a friend-raiser, adding some visibility to our mission during a very busy period. Look for an email, or check back here, for details later in November.
If you have an idea for a location or Christmas theme (such as, Christmas caroling or holiday costumes for the dogs?) or would like to RSVP, send an email to Diane Thomas, with YES, I"LL BE THERE AND HERE'S MY IDEA in the subject line.
Chairperson’s report
Progress toward nonprofit status
Before incorporating as a Missouri nonprofit, we need a unique name. We asked our members to respond to a survey to help us choose a name. The most often selected choice was West County D.O.G.I. (Dog Owners Group Initiative). A write-in alternative was also suggested, West County C.O.L.A. (Canine Off Leash Areas).
Although the majority selected West County D.O.G.I., we want to give the membership a chance to vote on the write-in. If you prefer the name "West County C.O.L.A." over "West County D.O.G.I.", send an email to Diane Thomas by November 7.
October meeting highlights
The October meeting developed into a "meet and greet" at a local restaurant. The group was small, so after the members arrived, they adjourned to the restaurant. Topics discussed included the new group name, becoming a nonprofit, fundraising, friendraising, and increasing volunteer participation.
Although no resolutions were made or actions initiated, some worthwhile ideas were exchanged that will be discussed at future meetings.
Here are notes on current developments in our
Ballwin residents can express interest and support for off-leash recreation in Ballwin by contacting your local Ballwin government representative to express interest and support for this amenity in a Ballwin park.
If you would like to do more, join D.O.G.S. and volunteer with West County D.O.G.S.
Contact Diane Thomas for current information.
Chesterfield
The City of Chesterfield remains positive and interested in establishing off-leash recreation in a Chesterfield park. They have asked West County D.O.G.S. to assist in more detailed research of the concept. So, we will begin a report on our assessment of the various locations suitable for off-leash recreation in Chesterfield.
If you have ideas or opinions about off-leash recreation in Chesterfield, email Diane Thomas.
Chesterfield residents should continue to show support for an off-leash area in a Chesterfield park. Call 636-537-4000 or visit the City of
Contact Diane Thomas for current information.
Creve Coeur
The Creve Coeur Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the proposal for an off-leash recreation area in Conway Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission support the idea of an off-leash area in Conway, although not necessarily one of the formats proposed by West County D.O.G.S.
In addition, the City Council will be exploring the issue at their upcoming meetings. Concerns continue to be safety of both people and dogs and the amount of space to allocate for an off-leash area.
Although no plan is confirmed as yet, the most favored size appears to be a two-acre off-leash area in the northeast corner of Conway Park. However, before they formulate their final plan, they will factor in recommendations from West County D.O.G.S. regarding the effects of an area as small as two acres, such as, maintenance difficulties and dissatisfaction caused by overcrowding.
On October 20, Creve Coeur commissioned the Warren Poll to conduct a telephone survey to measure citizen satisfaction with city services as well as gather opinions on major topics. Included in this survey were questions on the topic of off-leash recreation in Conway Park. Survey results will be considered when formulating a plan for off-leash recreation in Conway Park.
If you have questions or concerns about off-leash recreation in Creve Coeur contact the City of Creve Coeur. If you live in a community with recreation agreements with Creve Coeur, it couldn't hurt to add your voice, too.
If you are a Creve Coeur resident with an interest in off-leash recreation in Creve Coeur contact your local Creve Coeur government representative to express interest and support for this amenity in a Creve Coeur park.
If you would like to do more, join D.O.G.S. and volunteer with West County D.O.G.S.
Contact Diane Thomas for current information.
The City of Ellisville Pooch Plunge was a great success. Ellisville has already agreed to plan for another next fall.
If you are an Ellisville resident with an interest in off-leash recreation in Ellisville parks, contact your local Ellisville government representative.
If you would like to do more, join D.O.G.S. and volunteer with West County D.O.G.S.
Contact Diane Thomas for current information.
The Manchester 2005 Dog Paddle was a success and will return next fall.
If you are an Manchester resident with an interest in off-leash recreation in Manchester parks, contact your local Manchester government representative.
If you would like to do more, join D.O.G.S. and volunteer with West County D.O.G.S.
Contact Diane Thomas for current information.
Off-leash recreation in Town and Country has been tabled for the near future.
As always, contact your Town and Country alderman to express support for the addition of an off-leash recreation area in the Town and Country park system, or Diane Thomas, Parks and Trails Commission member.
If you would like to do more, join D.O.G.S. and volunteer with West County D.O.G.S.
The West County Chapter represents a number of communities in
Current West County Chapter communities include Ballwin, Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Ellisville, Manchester, and Town and Country.
| Next meeting West County D.O.G.S. |
| When |
| A Saturday or Sunday in December. Check back for details. |
| Where |
| To be announced. |
| Who |
| All meetings are open to the public. If you live in a West County neighborhood not listed and would like to join our meetings you are always welcome and we encourage you to come. |
| Newsletters |
| 2005 |
| November (HTML, PDF) |
| October (HTML) |
| September (HTML, PDF) |
| August (HTML, PDF) |
| June (HTML, PDF) |
| May (HTML, PDF) |
| April (HTML, PDF) |
| March (PDF) |
| February (PDF) |
| January (PDF) |
| Printer-friendly brochures and flyers |
| West County D.O.G.S. brochure--two-fold, double-sided (PDF) |
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