Crestwood Finalizes Dog Park Agreement with Sunset Hills

The City of Sunset Hills recently secured a $220,000 St. Louis County Municipal Parks Grant to create a new dog park on a 4-acre site behind Truman Middle School. The park will benefit both Sunset Hills and Crestwood residents, so this week the Crestwood Board of Aldermen approved an agreement with Sunset Hills that outlines who is responsible for maintenance and costs.

The total project estimated at $275,000. Sunset Hills and the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation will be responsible for project costs that aren't covered by the grant. Sunset Hills will also be responsible for maintenance costs.

Crestwood will appoint a member of its Parks department as a contact with Sunset Hills regarding resident questions and concerns.

Sunset Hills will register dog park users, verify health vaccinations and collect resident fees. ("It is hoped that fees collected by users will cover any maintenance costs of the facility," according to the agreement. "The Cities agree that this should be a 'user-funded' facility and anticipate that the facility can be operated without subsidy from Sunset Hills or the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation.")

In addition to the dog park project, both cities will soon have their own doggie daycares. Y Bark Alone is opening on Watson Road in Sunset Hills, No Leash Needed's Weston Ackermann is working on an overnight boarding facility and outdoor dog park at 9221 Watson Industrial Park.