Dogs With Companions Flocked to New Chesterfield Park Despite Sweltering Heat

Despite triple-digit temperatures and heat indexes over the past two days, Chesterfield has sold upwards of 275 entrance tags for its new Eberwein Park with the 2-acre, fenced, members-only dog run.

The tags sell for $10 the remainder of 2011, then go up to $30 a year after that.

Chesterfield Parks and Recreation employees sat at the dog park entrance Thursday and Friday, selling tags and checking residency and dog vaccine records.

There are no shade trees at the dog run, but there is a rock-lined bubbling stream (man-made) just for canines. Several dogs simply sat in the water Friday, forsaking running with the pack for a chance to cool down.

The park has a pavilion with shade for humans, but that was not at all near the dogs' favorite spot—the man-made water feature.

Two vendors braved the heat Friday, one handing out natural treats and another providing information about boarding your animal companions. See the photos for more information.

Eberwein Park is open from dawn to dusk. It's at the corner of Baxter and Old Baxter roads—up behind Dierbergs Market Place.

The 18 acres has a swampy pond, a fenced dog run, restrooms, water fountains, a trail around it, and a 100-plus-year-old red barn. Two houses were torn down on the property to create a park.

Dog Park membership tags may now be purchased at City Hall, in the front reception area. Bring proof of Chesterfield residency and dog vaccine record for rabies, spayed or neutered, bordetella.