It was definitely the dog day of summer on June 5 when the Clayton Dog Park celebrated its 10th anniversary. Treats, Frisbees, tennis balls and swimming provided the fun for Clayton’s canines as city officials and volunteers gathered to recognize many of the park’s organizing volunteers.

The day also marked the grand opening of the small dog area of the park, designed and constructed by Eagle Scouts Jason Baldree and Brett Nebeker.

In 2005, Eagle Scout Trenton Wright built the shade structure over the picnic tables. Baldree and Nebeker used a similar design for the shade arbor over the small dog park.

“We really liked seeing the finished product,” said Nebeker, who plans to go to medical school.

The park opened in 2000 on city-owned land off Marsh Creek Road. The city installed the fencing, a few benches, a table and trash cans. Local residents formed the K-9 Coalition to raise money to bring water to the park and pay for ongoing maintenance. Annual operating costs run about $3,000 a year and are funded by “eScrip, raffles and hope,” says current board member Sherry Guthrie.

Major improvements planned include bringing water to the small dog area at a cost of $10,000 and purchasing more play equipment.

For more information on the park or to donate, go to claytondogpark.com