Southwest City Dog Park (SWCDP) opened it’s gates on Sept. 23, 2006. This was made possible by the tireless efforts of the orginal SWCDP Board and the early sponsorship by the Southampton Neighborhood Association. We usually have 400-450 household memberships, 600-650 dogs. The dog park is about 1.1 acres and offers two play areas. MAIN is a large play area with plenty of open space for playing ball, frisbee or romping with other 4-leggeds. There is a small agility course (separately fenced), two water bowl areas, and between June and October, doggie pools. Benches and tables, too. ALTERNATE is a smaller play area with it’s own entrance gate. This space is used for special needs such as: older, low energy, shy, recovering dogs who may not be happy with the high energy on the MAIN play ground. Finally, if the space is not in use by previously mentioned dogs, it may be used for dogs that need a "time out" or who need to learn socialization skills in a more contained and controlled area. This space, also, has one water bowl area, and between June and October - a doggie pool. PLAY and EVENTS are available during our 10 month season (June1 through March 31). Members may access the dog park during regular Willmore Park hours: 6:00am - 10:00pm, 7 days per week including holidays (within the SWCDP season). SWCDP offers a few special doggie events throughout the season, usually 3-4 per year, such as a puppy pool party, intro to various doggie sports, safety demo or other theme-specific activities. The dog park is made possible by a partnership between St Louis City Parks Department and Southwest City Dog Park, a 501 (3c) organization. The volunteer management group (SWCDP) is not funded or operated by the City of St. Louis. Southwest City Dog Park operations and improvements are funded by SWCDP annual membership fees and special fund raising efforts. Southwest City Dog Park is open to all - but only through a current paid membership.