BLUFFTON, Ohio (WLIO) — There is plenty of four-legged fun to be had at the new Bluffton Community Dog Park. The ribbon was cut Sunday night to officially open the park, which features drinking fountains for dogs, benches, and large areas for both small and large dogs.
The park was dedicated to the memory of Katrina Riepenhoff, a Bluffton teacher who passed away in March 2024 while waiting for a heart transplant. Katrina loved taking her dogs, Baxter and Tilly, to the park, and her parents say the dedication is a fitting tribute to her memory.
“Katrina's dogs meant a lot to her. I know she loved to go to the dog park even when she didn't feel good when she was waiting for the transplant. There were days that she didn't feel good and she would just take the dogs to the park so she could watch them play. And it's just a lot of enjoyment watching them enjoy themselves with other dogs and playing in an open space not being leashed,” said Becky Riepenhoff, Katrina’s mother.
“The Bluffton Community was fantastic with this dog park. just having the space and putting it up so quick and everything. And the committee was really did a good job, I feel. So yeah, it's been fantastic,” said Joe Riepenhoff, Katrina’s father.
Thanks to the Riepenhoffs and community support, the Bluffton Community Dog Park Association was able to break ground in March and open the park in May.
“We thought it was going to take a long time to do the fundraising, and when the Riepenhoff’s stepped up in honor of Katrina, we were really humbled by that, and also wanted to join them in the effort of remembering her well. And we had a lot of students here for the groundbreaking, and it was really a testament to who she was, both for her students and her dogs and her family,” said Kathy Dickson of the Bluffton Community Dog Park Association.
The association plans to add more trees, benches, and a shade structure at the park. Those interested in donating to help support the park can click here
