Off-Leash Dog Park Requested At Wapelhorst Park

One city resident wants to see an off-leash dog park put in .

Kim Harnagle often walks her dog, Sadie, through Wapelhorst Park and said she thinks the addition of an off-leash dog park would give resident dogs a chance to stretch their legs. 

"There are so many people who walk their dogs, some are elderly," Harnagle said. "All I'm trying to do is improve our community."

St. Charles Parks and Recreation Board is scheduled to hear Harnagle's request for a dog park during a work session scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday.

During the board’s last meeting April 20, members discussed some of the pros and cons of adding a dog park to Wapelhorst Park. The city already has one off-leash dog park located in northern St. Charles, off of North River Road. 

Harnagle has visited the DuSable dog park in the past, but it's not very close to her home and in a more secluded area.

"I didn't feel very comfortable there," she said. "If I knew people who were going to be there, it might be different."

Harnagle said she thinks a good location might be near the front of Wapelhorst Park just north of the entrance off of Muegge Road.

Director of Parks and Recreation Maralee Britton said neighbors may raise concerns about extra noise, cars and additional people who would use the dog park.

Wapelhorst Park already has a water park, baseball fields, volleyball courts, walking trails, a playground and tennis courts.

Currently, there are only three dog parks in St. Charles County, Britton said.

One is the in St. Charles. Another is located at Broemmelsiek Park ,which is located off of State Road DD, in western St. Charles County. The third is at Quail Ridge Park, located off of Duello Road in Wentzville.