Ellen Clark Sculpture Dog Park and St Louis University Fountain – Missouri

Ellen Clark Sculpture Dog Park

Late summer we were able to spend a week in St. Louis with our puppies and had a great time. While in the area we were able to visit a small section of the Saint Louis University, as well as the Ellen Clark Sculpture Dog Park. It was nowhere as large as Laumeier Sculpture Park,  but it was still interesting.

Apparently the park pays homage to contemporary sculpture as well as the president of the university’s love of dogs. This unique sculpture/dog park is filled regularly with the neighborhood’s four-legged friends and their owners and is the home of a number of Modernist sculptures.  Some of the sculptures in the park act as benches throughout the park, and combine form and function, creating a space for humans and animals alike.

In 2012, the Ellen Clark Sculpture Dog Park was named a “Pet-Friendly Place” by St. Louis Magazine. The location is the only designated place on campus where dogs are permitted to be off a leash.

A world to the wise though. The fence around the park is great, however, it doesn’t go all the way to the ground. Little guys can easily slip out. We had to keep an eye on our girls while we were there, but they had a good time running around.

Another thing I wanted to share was that it can be very muddy when it rains. Apparently it had rained and we did our best to keep our girls away from the mud holes, lol.

There we only a few dogs in the park while we were there, but they had fun running around with an active sheltie chasing its owner’s ball throughout the park. I don’t know who was having more fun, our girls or the sheltie, lol. They were quite tired after running around and I can say we all enjoyed our time at the park.

One quick note before I move on to sharing our visit to the University across the street. Make sure to feed the parking meter or they will give you a ticket. I saw several “patrols” while there. Not a fun way to end an outing. Hope you can enjoy the Ellen Clark Sculpture Dog Park on a trip to the St. Louis area one day. While in the park I saw a fountain across the street and had to check it out. It is on the northeast corner of Saint Louis University – home of the Billikens. I had never been to this area, and was so glad we stumbled upon it. It is very beautiful and peaceful.

One of the most interesting buildings on campus is the St. Francis Xavier College Church. Apparently the church has been on the Saint Louis University campus for almost 180 years! Wow. However, it not only attracts students, it also attracts parishioners across the city.  It’s also a popular backdrop for engagement photos and one of the most popular places to get married in St. Louis. It is definitely beautiful and I can see why it is in high demand.

In 2013, the School of Social Work became part of Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, joining the School of Public Health and the program in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Tegeler Hall is named after Jerome F. Tegeler, a 1929 SLU graduate and member of the Board of Trustees whose generous donation made the structure a reality. Apparently his son, Timothy Tegeler, continues the family’s commitment to SLU and the School of Social Work.

Saint Louis University dedicated the Marvin and Harlene Wool Center on May 13, 2011, in honor of two people who recognize the value of the University.  The naming of the building also recognizes the Wools’ many years of dedication and support to the University as a trustee and DuBourg Society member.

While the buildings were nice, I really liked the fountain of course. It was nice just sitting and relaxing with the dogs and watching students come and go. Some would stop and sit on a bench for a while. Others just passed through the area to get to their car or public transportation.

I don’t know if it was the water or what, but it was really peaceful and serene. I know if I were a student at the University, I would be out there relaxing and doing homework between classes. Apparently there is also a dolphin fountain, but we did see it as we were strolling around. Will have to look the next time we are in the area.

We had a great time, and the dogs enjoyed being out in the fresh air to sniff and explore for a while. It is definitely something I think you should check out if you are in the area.