Soulard Star Directory 2027

✯ SOULARD STAR DIRECTORY | 2027 14 contnued on page 16 Other Neighborhood Organizations FRENCHTOWN DOG PARK ASSOCIATION  The Frenchtown Dog Park Association (FDPA) was founded in 2004 to meet the needs of residents with dogs in the old Frenchtown neighborhoods of St. Louis: Benton Park, Lafayette Square, LaSalle Park and Soulard.The FDPA’s mission is to provide an urban green space that offers a safe and secure environment where residents can exercise their dogs and socialize with their neighbors. It is the goal of the FDPA to eventually help provide similar green space in other neighborhoods. The John and LucilleWendling Soulard Dog Park is located off the alley near 10th and Emmet streets and is named for two early supporters and generous donors to the park.The current space, completed in 2006, is three-quarters of an acre of fenced green space where dogs and their owners can exercise safely in an enclosed area.The park is open to anyone in St. Louis City or County and currently serves residents in more than 10 ZIP codes.The dog park committee is always seeking to improve the dog park experience and grounds. Annual fundraising events include Pooches Unleashed – Pet Parade Party, Pup Crawl, Pooches on the Patio and more.The park is also available for animal adoption events, meetups and organized social gatherings. In addition to theWendlings, the park was made possible through financial support from Michael Stokes,Alderwoman PhyllisYoung and the Mardi Gras Foundation as well as regular fundraising and financial and in-kind support from its members and friends. Contact the association at frenchtowndogpark.com , membership@frenchtowndogpark.com or president@ frenchtowndogpark.com , reach us on X at @frenchtowndogpk and on Facebook at @frenchtowndogpark or write to us at Frenchtown Dog Park Association, Box 13243, St. Louis, MO 63157. MARDI GRAS, INC.  Formed in 1999, Mardi Gras, Inc. produces the Soulard Mardi Gras Festival, which features a diverse schedule of events. It kicks off with Twelfth Night on January 6 and concludes with the Fat Tuesday Parade in downtown St. Louis.The Grand Parade is the most renowned of the festival’s events. For a complete listing of events please check the website, stlmardigras.org . Mardi Gras, Inc. is governed by a board of directors and comprises representatives from the Soulard Restoration Group, Soulard Business Association, Soulard Community Improvement District, Soulard Market and the Kosciusko Business Association.The board and staff work closely with residents, businesses, and governmental agencies to produce a festival that is fun, safe, and economically viable. During larger events this includes managing access and parking in the neighborhood, providing portable facilities, coordinating with safety and security agencies, and much more. In addition to producing Mardi Gras events, Mardi Gras, Inc. and the Mardi Gras Foundation serve as year-round resources for the Soulard neighborhood. In recent years, Mardi Gras, Inc. and the Mardi Gras Foundation helped fund the year-round Saints Peter & Paul Neighborhood Clean-Up Program, the Soulard Entryway Project, the renovation of the Soulard School façade, the Frenchtown Dog Park, the installation of permanent electric power in Soulard Market Park and wrapping Pontiac Square Park and Soulard Market Park in ornamental iron fencing. Contact Mardi Gras, Inc. or the Mardi Gras Foundation at stlmardigras.org, call 314-771-5110 or visit their offices at 2200 Dolman St. in Soulard. SOULARD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (SBA) The Soulard Business Association (SBA) was founded in 1987 to facilitate organization and communication between the diverse businesses within the neighborhood.The SBA strives to be a collective advocate for all businesses within the association; promote marketing and beautification initiatives and support, fund and organize community events that appeal to residents and visitors.