LEWISBURG — The village of Lewisburg is gaining a Preble County first.

Mars Petcare has begun clearing an area along the south side of the village park to implement the county’s first ever dog park. The park will be approximately 400 feet long by 40-80 feet wide. It will also be divided into two areas – one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The company is hoping to have a grand opening ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The park is being built as part of the Mars volunteer program, with all the labor and supplies being donated entirely by their company.

“One of the big things with Mars is that they like to be really involved in their community,” said Lauren Holtvoigt, Veterinary Services Manager. “We wanted to do something even bigger, longer lasting. We did a little research and realized there was no dog park in Preble County at all. People’s interaction and companionship with dogs is something we believe in so we thought that would be a good long standing impact for the community.”

Mars plans on building the park as a long-term project, implementing amenities like benches, shade structures, scent plants, and dog agility structures in the future.

While the Lewisburg Park Department will do day-to-day mowing of the property, Mars also plans on keeping the maintenance of the structures and plants with work days throughout the year.

“We are committed to making it a continuing, viable park for the community,” said Holtvoigt.

Holtvoigt also said the project could bring traffic and commerce to the village, as well.

“Dog parks are destination locations. It will showcase Lewisburg and the great park they have here. It will also bring people closer together with their dogs here so more people can enjoy their pets,” she said. “That’s what we are about. We’re a dog company.”

The fencing is being purchased from Eagle Fence and Construction in Lewisburg.

This is the second project Mars has done in Preble County, their first being the cleaning of a dog shelter last year.