Starship was on to something with its smashing 80s hit, “We Built This City.”  While Blender magazine named this tune “The #1 Worst Song EVER” in 2004, the catchy chorus speaks to the whole notion of building community.

Nowadays, “community” is getting  a lot of play in the social media world, but what about in real life?  What is your neighborhood, town or city doing to BUILD and ENHANCE the community?  And are the local businesses getting involved?

There are many fine examples of this very thing happening in Pittsburgh (Shopping Bloomfield for one) – but I’ve latched on to an effort near and dear to my heart (Dexter’s too!):  The Lawrenceville Dog Park.

The Lawrenceville Dog Park Committee (I’m not only a recent member, but I’m also a client) has been investigating the building of a much-needed dog park in the East End/Lawrenceville area.  I have been impressed with the dedication of the group, as well as the generosity and support of the local business community.

You can read more about the effort (including events, proposal and location info) at http://lvilledogpark.blogspot.com.

Lawrenceville Building [even more] Community

Lawrenceville is already known for its thriving boutique arts and business district.  The Lawrenceville Dog Park is to be (knock on raw-hide) open by summer, and here are a few thoughts on what this dog park will add to this community:

• Public amenity that provides a safe recreational area for our pups (BIG & small)
• Attract new Dog-Loving residents to Lawrenceville neighborhood
• Attract visitors & commerce to Lawrenceville neighborhood
• Provide an exercise outlet for our pups
• Enhance Dog-Owner community with social opportunities
• Highlight Dog-Friendly businesses
• Incorporate and Highlight the growing local Arts Community

Local Pittsburgh Businesses (and Artists) Digging the Dog Park

These local Pittsburgh businesses and artists have thrown their collective support behind The Lawrenceville Dog Park effort (and we couldn’t be more thrilled!):

• Bloom Organic Skin Care Parlor
• City Theater
• Colangelo’s Pasta and Pizza
• Cytech Hosting
• Deli on Butler Street
• Devine Touch Therapeutic Massage
• Dozen Bake Shop
• Enrico Biscotti
• Evolve Hair Design
• Gallery on 43^rd
• Grasso Roberto
• Jay Design
• Klavons Ice Cream
• Merlin’s Bark Products
• Pavement Shoes
• Picturesque Photography and Gifts
• Remedy
• Your Inner Vagabond

Featuring donated artwork by:

• Stella Belikiewicz
• David Calfo
• Mary Coleman
• Kate Dougherty
• Monika Gibsoon
• Will Kesling
• Beth Kiewicz
• Lyn Lewandowski
• Deborah Mahan
• Tra Nelson
• Cloin Noonan
• Jay Resler
• Anthony Schafermeyer
• Richard Schnappp
• Jenny Snyder
• J. Woolslayer
• Zombo

An impressive 125 Artists, Belly Dancers, and Dog Lovers showed up and supported The Lawrenceville Dog Park at the Benefit Variety Show (Follow the process via Twitter).  When I think about what community means – The residents AND local business here in Pittsburgh are STEPPING UP!

Dexter will soon be playing with and sniffing the dogs of Lawrenceville, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

UPDATE: Have your pooch try the Grasso Roberto‘s Doggy Gelato and Enrico Biscotti‘s Doggy Biscotti (I tried both)! Muy Delicioso!