The Friends of Patterson Dog Park, for more than three years now, have been working to establish  a fenced area in Patterson Park where dogs can play off leash.

Establishing a dog park anywhere in Baltimore is a complicated task, but the Patterson Park group has had even tougher road because of the many different communities that surround the massive park in east Baltimore -- among them Canton, Highlandtown, Patterson Park, Butchers Hill, and Upper Fells Point.

The organization now has a web site (www.pattersondogpark.org), a logo (right) and a proposed design and location (above).

To help raise funds for the effort, the group, It will be sponsoring a "Yappy Hour" on Thursday, April 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Gecko's, 2318 Fleet St.

They are also conducting a clean-up at the park on Saturday, April 26. Meet at the pagoda at 10 a.m. to take part.

The group describes their planned dog park as a place where "well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife ... We will develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions."

Under city rules, the organization is responsible not just for getting the necessary city and neighborhood approvals, but for funding, building and maintaining the dog.

Baltimore currently has only one such area, the Canton Dog Park. Another group is trying to start a Locust Point Dog Park at Latrobe Park.

To sign the Patterson Park group's petition, click here.

To send a letter to the mayor, click here.