The Ellsworth area is one step closer to having a dog park after the Pierce County Parks Committee Aug. 30 approved the use of part of the Trimbelle Recreation Area for the project, brought before them by the E3 Dog Park Committee.

County Administrator Jason Matthys and Parks Superintendent Travis Campbell agreed the Trimbelle Rec Area (near the Gas Lite Bar & Grill off County Road O) is the best fit for the proposed project.

“The Trimbelle Park is the best fit that we have right now for something like this,” Campbell said. “There’s no trees to worry about for damage and stuff like that.”

The Ellsworth Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit dedicated to helping

community-led project committees to seek project support such as access to funds, volunteers, information, and education to see their ideas become reality.

The Ellsworth Dog Park Committee formed in 2018 and presented the idea to the Ellsworth Village Board, which seemed in support. With the backing of the board, the group moved forward with fundraising and received a $15,000 Purina Trust Grant, plus roughly $4,000 in other donations.

With changes to the Ellsworth Village Board (newly elected members), problems in finding a suitable piece of land within the village (due to zoning), and what seemed a dead end at every turn, the committee decided to approach the county about a possible partnership.

“I think this is great,” said E3 Board President and Dog Committee member Kayleen Jakes. “We have had questions from residents and heard many people would utilize it. This is a good location and we’re really excited to have anywhere at this point. It’s been a very long road for us.”

Others locations were considered, such as the Pierce County Fairgrounds and the county’s demonstration forest, but those weren’t deemed a good fit. Matthys noted Trimbelle Rec Area already has appropriate infrastructure in place such as a parking lot and pavilion.

The financial component of the dog park would be borne by E3, including maintenance, installation of fencing, and dog waste removal.  And if the county were to want to develop the park further for Pierce County needs, the fencing would need to be removed. Matthys said he doesn’t see anything in the next five to 10 years to cause an interruption to the dog park.

When asked if people in Ellsworth and Prescott would both be willing to drive to use the park, Jakes said she believes so based on a survey conducted a couple of years ago in Ellsworth. People are currently driving to dog parks in River Falls, Hastings and Red Wing.

“I do think it is a need and a want,” Jakes said. “Prescott and Ellsworth yes, but any and all who would like to use it. People are willing to drive. People are looking for them, they just don’t know where to go.”

Committee members agreed a dog park might help the public discover the Trimbelle Rec Area and use it more too. 

About 2.7 acres would be used, with part for small dogs and the other for large dogs. While final plans are not in place, the committee gave the dog park a green light. The county would take care of mowing while the dog park committee would be in charge of fee collection and dog waste removal. Jakes agreed to solidify the cost of fencing and final costs.

To follow updates on the dog park, visit “Ellsworth Dog Park” on Facebook.

Other business

• Campbell reported the phone lines at Nugget Lake County Park were down for about a month, while the internet was off for a week. They called provider Centurytel, but no repair person ever came. They made due by using and iPad and working off Campbell’s hotspot. New fiber internet has been installed by 24/7, a branch of Western Wisconsin Telecom from Menomonie. The new cost is roughly $50 lower per month, Campbell said.
• Pierce County Health Department detected coliform bacteria in the Nugget Lake County Park well. After two rounds of chlorination and flushing, the well has been deemed safe. PCHD has recommended replacing the well cap, Campbell noted.
• Kyle Webb has been hired as the park’s new maintenance technician. He worked at Nugget Lake for nine summers in years past.
• Craig Mader has been hired as a new Pierce County Shooting Range attendant.
• Campbell is hoping to get the Nugget Lake dredging project bids this week or next. The DNR approved the project. The original plan was to drop the lake’s water level after Labor Day weekend, but that may be postponed until the bids are received. Water must be dropped slowly for wildlife to adjust and for the sediment to dry out some before being removed.