Council debate continues over Jack Buck Field fencing and proposed dog-park use; staff to seek Parks Commission plan

Members of the University City Council on Aug. 11 discussed longstanding questions about fencing and future uses at Jack Buck Field, which council previously approved relocating to Miller Park after 2022 flooding. Several council members and residents said the baseball fencing should be removed so the area can be repurposed for dog-park amenities, soccer or general open space; Parks staff said removing the fencing is technically feasible but that a Parks Commission review should determine final priorities. Council member Smotherson said the council had voted to move the baseball field to Miller Park and that fencing removal is overdue. Parks Director Girdler said the Parks Commission had discussed pursuing a grant (example: Purina grant) to fund dog-park amenities such as ramps and tunnels and that staff would bring forward any grant requests and recommendations. Council member Clay asked whether dismantling the chain-link fencing would be difficult; Girdler said posts likely set in concrete would require pulling with equipment but are removable. Council members expressed impatience at the multi-year delay since the flood and asked staff and the Parks Commission to produce a clear recommendation. Mayor Crow and other members suggested the Parks Commission and department prepare a plan and return to council with an up-or-down recommendation by the end of the year. No formal motion to remove the fence was adopted at the meeting.