Fees on Members-Only Dog Park a Third Cheaper This Year Than Next Year

Chesterfield Patch got the 4-1-1 on Eberwein Park dog run Monday night from city officials.

The park opens to the public Sept. 1, 9am-6pm. Residents may buy member tags at the park Sept. 1-2. 

Ribbon cutting ceremony is Aug. 31 but is by invitation only for some reason.

In my longtime experience as a dog owner at dog parks, dog people can have just as much fun socializing at the dog park.

But beware, ill-behaved dogs in the dog run may have an owner along those same lines.

Regardless, here's how to be a member, and let your dog do some socializing. (The city website has the official info too.)

• Dog owner and dog must be Chesterfield residents.
• Bring proof of residency to City Hall front reception area.
• Also bring proof of dog's up-to-date medical record—spayed or neutered, rabies, Bordetella 
• Pay $10 for membership for the remainder of 2011; next year tag costs $30. Buy a new one every year.
• Membership includes the tag; put it on your dog.
• Remember the keypad number for the lock when you drive over to Eberwein Park to use the dog run.
• There are 24 parking spots at the park.
• The 2-acre fenced dog park is in the rear corner behind Dierbergs. (I couldn't see it from Old Baxter Road, so it must be near the trees.)
• There is a pavilion for shade, water for dogs, restrooms for humans, and a separate fenced area for smaller dogs.
• Location of Eberwein Park is 1627 Old Baxter Rd., at Highcroft Drive.
• Vets and Petsmart vendors will be at the park during the two days of grand opening.
• Read up on dog park etiquette, for example: Leash your dog from the car to the dog run.
• Remember to bring your dog(s) in all the excitement.
• Prepare for a possibly muddy dog on the ride home.