DECATUR - Whatever the weather, Cindy Quinn never misses a daily visit to the Fido Fields Dog Park with Chief I, a golden retriever/yellow Labrador mix.

Quinn usually is accompanied by Judy Smith, who brings Chief II. They also walk the dogs in the South Side Country Club area.

"This is the best thing that has happened in Decatur in a long time," Quinn said, while Smith nodded in agreement.

Fido Fields, in the far west end of Fairview Park, near the swimming pool, gives dogs the opportunity to run and socialize in a four-acre fenced-in area. There are separate areas for large and small dogs.

"Everyone is ecstatic about Fido Fields," said Cindy Deadrick, a member of the committee that raised money to open Fido Fields in September. The committee also includes Anne Elliott, Rikki Andreas, Shirley Stanley, Denise Johnston, Dawn Sterling, Cindy Breitweiser and Nancy Gordon.

The Decatur Park District donated the land and some services. The city of Decatur provided a water line.

Some of the dogs that regularly frequent Fido Fields include Sophie, Andy, Abbie, Buddy, Cody, Missy, Maggie, Matty and Bo.

"At times, there are as many as 20 dogs here," Quinn said. "It's fun to watch how dogs react in a group. My dog seems to be the social director. He knows who his friends are. The dogs know to stay away from troublemakers." Many of the dogs were rescued and adopted from animal care centers.

There's a water hole near a large tree, in which the dogs are fond of wallowing. Hence, it's often a trip from the dog park to the dog wash.

The dogs rush to the entrance to greet newcomers. The other day, the dogs gleefully welcomed Morgan, a golden retriever/poodle mix, and Cassio, a wire-haired terrier brought in by Jennifer Kugler of Chicago. "It's so nice to let them run," she said. Cassio joined Lara Davis's Jed and Bella, also wire-haired terriers.

Steve White regularly attends with Missy, a golden retriever, and often walks to Fairview Park from the Heather Hills area. Elizabeth Mixson gives Fido Fields a ringing endorsement. She plays Frisby with Sasha, an Australian shepherd mix.

One of the older dogs that enjoys the running is Gene Moyer's Emmy Lou, 6 years old in September, a German short hair pointer/black Labrador.

"Fido Fields has had a huge impact on the community in a short time," Deadrick said. "We've had more than 300 registrations."

FIDO FIELDS REGULATIONS

- A valid electronic card is required for entrance. The cards are available at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center for $25.

- Visitors are limited to two dogs per person. The dogs must be licensed, immunized and spayed/neutered.

- Dogs must be leashed in the parking lot.

- Children must be at least 10 years old and closely monitored.

- No smoking.

- Dispose of dog waste in appropriate containers.

- Hours: Sunrise to sunset.

- Call 422-5911.

Bob Fallstrom can be reached at bfallstrom@herald-review.com or 421-7981.