With only one dog park in the area that was only open to Chesterfield residents, an Ellisville survey revealed that local residents wanted a dog park open to the whole community, Ellisville Council Member Dawn Anglin said.

This plan will come true when the Bluebird Dog Park opens on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Anglin said budget restraints prevented the development for the dog park until Anglin and fellow Ellisville Council Member Linda Reel decided to build a dog park without the use of tax dollars.

“A committee was formed of Ellisville and surrounding municipality residents that were interested in a dog park,” Anglin said. “The committee formulated a year-long fundraising plan to raise the money to build the dog park.”

Anglin said the committee picked Bluebird Park because of its central location to the surrounding communities including Ballwin, Wildwood, Manchester and Clarkson Valley. Plus, Bluebird already had a parking lot for the future dog park, keeping costs down.

With the estimated cost ranging from $18,000 to $20,000, Anglin said fundraisers and donations made the dog park possible.

The dog park committee had a table at the Ellisville Community Farmers Market each week where they sold dog toys, dog beds, dog clothes, pet first aid kits, and other dog related items, Anglin said. Their main fundraisers were engraved bricks that will line the sidewalk near the dog park, Pooch Plunge, Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest, pictures with Santa, Yappy Hour, and a Pet first Aid Class presented by Manchester West Veterinary.

Currently, the committee raised enough funds to build large and small dog areas, fencing, gates, keypads and a water fountain. Anglin said in the future they would like to add some other features including agility items.

Also, Anglin said a local Boy Scout troop is contributing too by making benches for owners to sit while their dogs play.

Ellisville Parks and Recreations Director Lisa Blumer said the local community made the dog park possible.

“We have been getting a lot of phone calls asking about the park,” Blumer said, “and we have a very active committee that wanted to raise the funds.”

Blumer said the membership fee and the city of Ellisville will maintain the dog park.

The $40 membership fee includes access to the dog park for one year, and it covers up to three dogs. Anglin said the annual membership fee pays for the grass, fencing, membership tags and administration fees to process paperwork.

“The reason for a membership is to make sure that all dogs that come to our park have proper veterinary care such as rabies shots, and that they are spaded and neutered,” Anglin said. “Research has shown a more responsible owner will not mind paying the nominal fee for the park.”

On the opening day of the dog park, Anglin said a Howl-O-Ween costume contest for dogs will be held to raise funds. There will be three categories with prizes awarded to the top three in each category.

“I think that this dog park will be a great addition to the community because it allows for people to take their dogs out for exercise and also for socialization purposes,” Tori Bridwell, senior, said. “Dogs need to socialize with other dogs and humans, starting when they are young so that they will be comfortable and not skittish in future situations.”

Bridwell said dogs that socialize starting at a very young age are more likely to grow up less violent with new people and other dogs. Bridwell has two golden retrievers, Ricky and Freddy, who were rescued from Dirk’s Fund while her third dog, a mutt named Lucy, was adopted from Stray Rescue.

“My dogs have socialized a lot throughout their lives so they are all very friendly and would love to play with other dogs in the dog park,” Bridwell said. “It would be a great way for them to burn off all of the energy that they have in a friendly and safe environment.”

For registration for the contest or dog park visit ellisvilledogpark.com.