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Katrina Andrews snipped through a red ribbon Saturday, opening Ruff & Tumble Dog Park to the public. (Leader photo/KELSEY HAMMON)

Nick Brittin, of Niles, tossed a ball for his greyhound, Loki. (Leader photo/KELSEY HAMMON)

Dog park founder Katrina Andrews posed with her dog, Roo in front of the entrance to Ruff & Tumble Dog Park. (Leader photos/KELSEY HAMMON)

Dogs and dog owners alike enjoyed Ruff and Tumble Dog Park during the grand opening Saturday. (Leader photos/KELSEY HAMMON)

Mayor Nick Shelton, center, visited Ruff & Tumble Dog Park Saturday with his wife Allison Hayes Freeze-Shelton, left and their daughter, Emery. The Sheltons brought their dog, Cutty, out to play at the park. (Leader photo/KELSEY HAMMON)

NILES — There were plenty of tails wagging Saturday as more than 100 people and their dogs visited South Riverfront Park to celebrate the opening of Ruff & Tumble Dog Park. The park is Niles’ first dog park in history.

The Four Flags Chamber of Commerce helped to commemorate the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Park founder Katrina Andrews snipped through the ribbon with her own dog Roo by her side.

The city of Niles helped to prepare the park for the opening Saturday, with a thorough cleaning. Many city officials attended the grand opening, including Mayor Nick Shelton, Councilman Daniel VandenHeede and City Administrator Ric Huff.

Throughout the afternoon, dogs of all sizes and ages ran through the approximately acre and a half space, while owners tossed them toys or simply watched them run around.

Funds for the park were raised by the community. Andrews applied for a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to receive additional money. She had to raise $35,000 by Monday to get the grant. In an earlier interview, Andrews said she was confident that the remaining funds would be raised at the grand opening. The nonprofit announced Saturday night that it had met its fundraising goal of $35,000. By obtaining this goal, the park will receive a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Benches will be the first thing to be added to the park with the grant money.

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