By Paula Scott

An ad hoc group of Bluffton dog owners and enthusiasts is inviting the Bluffton community to give a “Woof!” and support the creation of a Village dog park on Lake St. next to the Village Arboretum. The Village of Bluffton is providing land and ownership of the park but funds for the construction of fencing and other infrastructure depend on donations.

There are two ways to donate to the Bluffton Community Dog Park:
• Send a check to the Village of Bluffton, and write “dog park” in the memo line
• Visit www.givebutter.com/blufftoncommunitydogpark/ 

Organizers emphasize that donations of all sizes are needed for the Bluffton Community Dog Park to become a reality. Gifts in kind including volunteers to do park housekeeping will also be welcomed.

With an anticipated opening in 2024, the dog park will provide a safe and controlled environment for dogs to interact with other dogs and people. Currently, some dog owners use inappropriate and unauthorized fenced-in areas to run their dogs, creating cleanup issues for those organizations.

Organizers note they currently have to leave Bluffton and drive to other communities to give their dogs much-needed exercise and socialization. Dog parks can prevent boredom and alleviate behavioral issues. The benefits extend to dog owners, too. Watching their dogs play and socialize creates a sense of community among pet owners.

A well-maintained dog park is presented as an opportunity to increase property values, making the area more attractive to potential homebuyers and renters.

The land designated for the dog park is located on Lake Street adjacent to the Village Arboretum and Cobb Lake. It is also easily accessible by the village bike paths. It will provide space for two enclosures, a large dog area and a small dog area. There will be fresh water and supplies for animal waste pickup.

Amenities in the preliminary fundraising campaign include benches and picnic tables, an ADA accessible parking lot and approach walk. (Pamphlet with additional details.)

Organizers note that a dog park has been discussed for many years. It was recommended that they find out what it would cost and do the legwork on the what if’s: what if there is a dog fight, what if people don’t pick up after their pets, etc.

The Bluffton Community Dog Park group will be marching in the November 25 Blaze of Lights Parade and have a Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/145984225110151 and can be reached at [email protected].

Dog park enthusiasts (and their pets) that met with the Icon were Betsi Werling (Samson), Steve Weihrauch (Chance and Delaney), Matt Ellerbrock (Maverick), Kathy Dickson (Tucker), Christian and Jamie Nygaard (Sparky), Amy Blackburn and Ben Stahl.