A Dog Park: In the Heart of New Orleans

IIn the aftermath of Katrina's devastation, the residents of the Broadmoor neighborhood of New Orleans developed their own neighborhood redevelopment plan. (To download a copy, visit www.broadmoorcorp.com) Among many other projects, the citizens of Broadmoor decided to pursue a dog park.

The ultimate goal: A park that will benefit the dogs and people of New Orleans, including Broadmoor and the surrounding communities.

A citizen committee was soon formed through which planning, designs, and community support was developed. After locating an open, lit, unused space with parking in the neighborhood - one surrounded by business and light industrial properties - the Broadmoor Improvement Association and Broadmoor Development Corporation began the process of planning for a city dog park.

There are many important reasons to support the project. 

Residents of neighborhoods in Mid-City, Carrollton, Central City, and Uptown are clamoring for it.  While other cities have dog parks, there currently are none in New Orleans, and one centrally located in the center of the city will be highly utilized.  The dog park will positive impact the surrounding businesses too, bringing more traffic and exposure to the area.  The increased traffic to these commercial areas will encourage investment in, and use of, these under-utilized spaces.  Dogmoor will make surrounding residences safer, too, since dogs act both as crime prevention and community building tools. Indeed, the strong partnership between the Broadmoor Improvement Association, neighboring communities and businesses, and the New Orleans Police Department will provide a safe environment for families to spend time with their four-legged family members and their friends.  The Dogmoor Park will also provide a space for SPCA dog training, agility instruction, and adoption services by various regional dog rescue groups.