After more than a year of hard work by a small group of hardy individuals — and contributions from more than 125 generous islanders — Eddie & Friends Dog Park will have its grand opening on Sept. 6, from 1-3 p.m.

Representatives of park co-sponsors Island Rec, Rotary and the Eddie & Friends Dog Park Steering Committee will make brief opening remarks, followed by a ceremonial “cutting of the leash” and open play time for the lucky dogs in attendance.

For dog owners, there will be information available from local animal-related businesses, dog caricatures by renowned cartoonist Paul Chadwick, and a presentation about dog park etiquette from Downtown Dog’s Jessica Ray.

Eddie & Friends Dog Park was made possible through the generosity of Browne’s Home Center, which provided the two-acre parcel of land for temporary use. In appreciation, the park is named after the Brownes’ dog, Eddie.

The park is located between Browne’s Home Center and the fire station on Mullis Street. There is off-street parking, and the site is totally fenced in using six-foot field fencing, with a small section of the park fenced separately for use by small and/or older dogs. Park organizers have provided benches, trash receptacles, dispensers of biodegradable bags for dog waste, and a small gazebo for shelter on rainy days.

“Everyone who has a dog — or just loves watching dogs play – is invited to attend the park’s grand opening celebration,” steering committee member Lori Stokes said.

Dog Park Steering Committee members are: Patricia Benton, Linda Browne, Liz Chadwick, Barbara Defalco, Elli Gull, Jack McKenna (liaison with Rotary), Debbie Pigman, Sharon Pigman, Sandy Rabinowitz (liaison with the animal shelter), Cal Ryan, Alisa Schoultz (liaison with Island Rec), Steve Simpson, Ken Sliger, Jim Stegall, and Lori Stokes.