A ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the naming of Kitun Park, which includes Sunset Hills’ new dog park, will take place at noon Sunday, June 29, at the park, 12343 Eddie & Park Road.
The dog park will officially open to the public at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 3.
Sunset Hills and Crestwood residents are encouraged to bring their dogs to Sunday’s event, which will feature brief presentations by city officials and honor Susan Widman for her winning submission to the city’s park naming contest, according to a news release.
The naming of Kitun Park honors and celebrates the life of Sunset Hills’ first mayor, Alexander Kitun, who served the city from 1958 to 1965. Kitun was responsible for the city’s first master plan and was instrumental in securing the services of the Fenton Fire Protection District to cover the area, the release stated.
Born in New York in 1917, Kitun was the son of Russian immigrants. He married his wife, Marie, in 1944, and the couple decided to move to the Midwest in 1947 and start their lives in Sunset Hills.
He worked as a chemist, and after leaving Sunset Hills, spent a year in Wichita, Kan., and then moved to Chicago, where he remained until he retired in 1993.
He and his wife moved to San Diego, Calif., where he worked as a consultant until his death in 1995.
The new dog park, located inside Kitun Park, will not only add recreational value to the city but also promotes a safe, active experience for dogs and their owners, the release stated.
The fully fenced dog park encompasses two acres of open grassy field for dogs to run off-leash while they play and socialize.
The park is divided and features separate recreational areas for small and large dogs, including concrete pathways.
The agility areas will keep dogs in shape, and to make sure canines and their owners stay refreshed, the park will offer drinking fountains for both.
Sunset Hills and Crestwood residents can purchase an annual membership for $40.
The cost for nonresidents is $55.
A complete list of dog park rules is available at
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