By Alex Bridges -- Daily Staff Writer

WINCHESTER — Chewy and other area dogs soon can have their own hangout. And humans can come, too. Excavation has begun on the future Winchester Dog Park in the city's Jim Barnett Park which, once finished, will give canine lovers like Becky Oliver and Rebecca Miller a secure space to bring their pooches to play and socialize.

"I know, for myself, we always come to Jim Barnett [Park] to walk our dogs on the trails and we thought we really needed a dog park and ... the closest one here is 50 miles away," Oliver said at a groundbreaking Wednesday morning as a bulldozer knocked down trees on the park site.

Several trees will stay to abide by city regulations and to provide shade for the dogs, Oliver said.

A 6-foot-high, chain-link fence would surround the park on a little more than an acre. A small, squared-in area lets owners stand inside to unleash their animals.

"The owner will solely responsible for anything that happens at the park," Oliver said.

Another park rule: "Scoop your own poop," Oliver said.

Those people wishing to use the dog park will be required to buy an annual "pooch pass" at $18 for the first dog and $4 for each additional dog for city residents. Non-residents would have to pay $24 for the first dog and $5 for each additional canine. Users will present proof of registration for their dogs and then receive a key to enter the park. The hours will coincide with those of Jim Barnett Park.

"It's a partnership that we formed with a group of very interested, very motivated folks in the community, to build this park," said Michael White, operations manager with Winchester's Parks and Recreation Department. "One of the things in our research ... dog parks are just as much for dog owners as they are for the dogs themselves. It's a nice place to congregate. Dog lovers meet other dog lovers; they form relationships and friendships."

Oliver and others formed a committee and approached city officials about building a dog park. A similar effort began several years ago and, while the land remained available, fizzled out, Oliver said. The group has raised $4,000 by holding events and with help from Petco.

While Oliver said she hopes the park opens in a few weeks, White said department officials will start selling memberships in October.

"I'm so excited," Miller said, holding Chewy, one of her two Yorkie-mix dogs. "It's so important for dogs to be able to socialize and if they socialize they're usually more calmer, a little more friendly to other dogs. It becomes a great opportunity for dogs to meet other dogs."

"Some people get nervous when they're, you know, introducing their dogs to other dogs and this is just a great opportunity for dogs and people to get together," she added.

Contact park organizers by e-mail at info@wincdogpark.com or visit www.wincdogpark.com for more information.

* Contact Alex Bridges at abridges@nvdaily.com