Canines Make a Splash for Ellisville Dog Park

Ellisville's in Bluebird Park closed for the season for humans on Labor Day.

But man's best friend had the chance to make a splash Sept. 6 and 8 for the Pooch Plunge, a fundraiser benefitting the dog park set to open in Ellisville this fall.

For more photos from the Pooch Plunge and groundbreaking ceremony, visit Ballwin-Ellisville Patch on Facebook.

Dawn Anglin, Ellisville city councilmember and a member of the dog park committee, said about 70 dogs came each day of the Pooch Plunge.

After canines and their owners enjoyed the pool Saturday, a trek to the other side of took visitors to the future site of the Ellisville Community Dog Park for a groundbreaking ceremony.

"I said I wasn't going to cry," said Linda Reel, Ellisville city councilmember and dog park chairperson, as she thanked supporters and fellow commitee members.

Reel said in a year, the committee raised $23,000 for the dog park -- none of which are tax dollars.

"This dog park is unique because anybody in St. Louis County can join, they don't have to be an Ellisville resident," said David Amdur, an Internet marketing consultant with Internet Results who manages the dog park website.

Reel said they as the first major fundraisers for the project. Amdur added that Dr. David and Sharon Roberts of Manchester West Veterinary Hospital held that contributed as fundraisers in addition to other donations.

The dog park committee has had a tent at the in Bluebird Park for almost two years, Reel said, and also sells pet accessories and brick pavers to be installed in the park. 

Registrations for dog park memberships open Oct. 8 at $40 per year and can be completed in the Bluebird Park office. Canines will receive a membership tag and rabies vaccination paperwork is required at registration.

The first phase of the dog park will open Oct. 27. 

"It'll be a nice place for him to run," said Jean Smith, at the ceremony with her dog, Max. 

"It's a great place to meet other dog owners and their dogs," said Charyl Limanni. "She can run off leash and have her own meet and greet," Limanni said of her canine, Lucy.

The dog park committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Bluebird Park administration building.

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