Members-Only Dog Park Opens Sept. 1

Chesterfield's newest dog park is still under construction in the city's newest park on the corner of Baxter and Highcroft roads.

Initial opening dates were Aug. 1, but now Sept. 1 is the target, city officials said.

Several vendors will be at the park on the first two days open. Staff intends to be on-site to sell dog tags and supervise dog park etiquette.

Aug. 31 is a ribbon-cutting ceremony by invitation only, city officials said.

The city bought the 18.5-acre Ernst Eberwein property last year and demolished a 115-year old Queen Anne style white farmhouse that would have cost an estimated $400,000 to restore. The decision was not without controversy.

A second house—a long, brick, ranch-style house—was also torn down.

The fenced-in, keypad-locked dog run will be near the Baxter Road side, next to Dierbergs Market Place. There will be two separate pens, one for small dogs, the other for all dogs—and a water feature of some sort.

Only Chesterfield residents and dogs may use the dog run.

The city repaired a red barn on the property for about $117,000. It will cost $22,000 a year in maintenance. The barn will store park equipment, officials said.

There is also to be a smaller pre-fab red building housing bathrooms.

There are approximately 24 parking spaces. It was unclear whether street parking was allowed. Residents currently park on Highcroft.

A crushed stone trail will wrap around the entire park. Much of the proposed plantings will be executed in the fall, officials said, in cooler temperatures.

The park will also accept donations for trees, benches, picnic tables and more through Chesterfield Living Legacy.