Marion Girl Scouts Haiti Schafers and Ella Mackey are working to build a dog park in Marion as their Silver Award project.

They have asked the city commission for use of an acre of land across from Ann’s Park at Kellison and Roosevelt Sts. The dog park would be a place where dogs could play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners.

Haiti, a seventh grader, and Ella, an eighth grader, are asking for help paying for a fence. Haiti said the fencing would cost between $2,000 and $3,000. A man who works in the fencing business has offered to install it.

People who want to support the project can stop at the girls’ booth during Art in the Park and make a donation. Individual donations can be made by calling Haiti at (620) 382-6193.

The girls also are seeking sponsorships from small businesses that could hang signs on the fence.

“We appreciate any and all of the support people can give us,” Haiti said.

Parks and recreation director Margo Yates said the city has given the girls preliminary approval to pursue the project, but commissioners need a written plan from the girls before the project is officially approved.

“It’s not that the city doesn’t want a dog park, but everything has to be well thought out,” she said.