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By Paula Pyzik Scott

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Bluffton Community Dog Park on March 14 were a time for smiles, cheers and tears. The creation of a place for dogs to run safely off leash has been highly anticipated by area dog owners. That included Bluffton teacher and heart transplant recipient Katrina Riepenhoff, who passed away after a sudden illness in 2024. Her family has become a key supporter of the dog park.

Many at the well-attended event wore green t-shirts bearing the message “Live like Katrina Riepenhoff” and “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good”--and paw prints. Also in attendance were Baxter and Tilly, Riepenhoff’s two dogs and her parents, Becky and Joe Riepenhoff.

Some half of the guests were Riepenhoff’s students at Bluffton Middle School. MORE ▶︎ 

The park, which will be located on village property along Lake St. near County Line Rd., may be opened as soon as late May. Speaking on behalf of the volunteer group that worked with the Village of Bluffton to develop the project, Matt Ellerbrock said that it has been about two years since ideas was launched. He thanked two major corporate donors, Blanchard Valley Health Systems and Mercy Health.

Ellerbrock thanked the Village and Mayor Richard Johnson for providing a place for the Bluffton Community Dog Park and “for their guidance and partnership for the future to make this a really great dog park.” The immediate future will involve the installation of fencing, paving, water lines and parking. The volunteer group will continue to work coordinating donations for trees, benches and other improvements. 

There is a 500-member Facebook group HERE and a link for donations HERE. Among donor opportunities are the sponsorship of trees for $500 and benches for $1000, which can be enscribed in honor or memory of a favorite human or pet. 

Becky Riepenhoff provided background on why the family had stepped forward to support the dog park while they grieved for their daughter. “Katrina would be extremely happy about this. She loved dogs.” Becky went on to explain how dogs comforted Katrina when she had a heart transplant at the age of 16. “There’s nothing like coming home and having a dog in your lap and cuddling it and they’re thinking you’re the greatest thing in the world.”

She described the Bluffton community as “very caring, very compassionate, kind people not only to your dogs but to each other.”

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd reviewed the design for the 36,000 square foot dog park, which will include one space for large dogs and another for small dogs. The construction is expected to start the week of March 17.

Mayor Richard Johnson presented a proclamation that included, “whereas Katina Riepenhoff was a beloved member of the Bluffton Community, who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity, and her love for her students and animals; whereas her legacy of passion and service continues to inspire us all to give back to our community, and to make it a place where everyone–human and animal alike–can thrive. And whereas, in recognition of Katrina’s dedication to our community and her love for dogs, the Village of Bluffton wishes to honor her memory by creating a space that will allow dogs and their owners to enjoy together in a safe and welcoming environment.” He proclaimed the establishment of the Bluffton Community Dog Park in memory of Katrina Riepenhoff.

A dedication prayer was presented by Kathy Dickson and many supporters joined these presenters in turning the first shovelfuls of dirt, symbolizing the work to come.

As a postscript, the Riepenhoffs named Life Connection of Ohio, a non-profit organization that serves families and saves lives through organ donation in northwest and west central Ohio, as a way to learn more about organ donation.