Direction
friends of upper douglass dog park - fuddp.org
We organize and sponsor park activities, clean-up days, beautification projects, and act as liaison between the community of Dog Play Area users and the SF Department of Recreation & Parks in order to advocate improvements to the park.
We formed the group in early 2007, and attained status as a Non-Profit organization in May 2007. We are now working on both ongoing fund raising efforts as well as special events at the park.
Based on community responses to our initial survey, a water fountain was the most wanted major improvement, and fully enclosing the park by fencing in the entrance was second.
Now in the first half of our second year, we've accomplished a lot so far!
Three community "Park Clean-Up" days have drawn very large turn-outs, with dozens of energetic participants putting their efforts to both actual clean-up of debris and waste, as well as working towards long-tem improvements, such as the fencing and re-seeding of the grounds. We've moved hundreds of wheelbarrows full of dirt - with more to come.
We also coordinated with SF Rec & Park to have a bulletin board installed (re-cycled from Stern Grove), and the old baseball backstop removed. There's also a comfortable bench next to the bulletin board, courtesy of a donation from the Friends of Noe Valley.
We are now working closely with the city to have a water fountain installed. The fountain will be paid for by community donations and fund-raising done by FUDDP, and by a grant received from SF Beautiful.
Dogtoberfest in October 2007 drew hundreds of participants, with judged events and prizes for canine costumes, obedience, tricks, and agility. We raised several thousand dollars towards the fountain from this event.
The members of the FUDDP Steering Committee are:
- Alison Werger
- Barbara Werger
- Cabernet Lazarus Gavin
- Denise Spielman
- Peggy Garner
- Stephen Noetzel
- William Weil
Minutes are available for meetings held on:
We're steadily building a reputation as a great dog park, with a thoughtful group (of dog lovers) guiding it.
In January 2008, FUDDP received recognition from the Neighborhood Parks Council as a Stewardship Volunteer of the Month. In May 2008, we will receive an NPC Stewardship Outstanding Park Group Award (and $1,000 to our general fund towards completing the fence).
Also, while Fort Funston and Dolores Park are the best known dog parks in SF, the community on yelp! has some nice things to say about our park.
