Des Plaines residents weigh in on dog park idea

Des Plaines residents recently got a chance to weigh in on the possible development of a dog park in town.

The Aug. 15 meeting at city hall was hosted by Mayor Marty Moylan along with city staff and a representative of the Des Plaines Park District.

The park district opened its parks to dogs Aug. 1. Des Plaines is home to roughly 4,000 dog owners.

City Director of Public Works and Engineering Tim Oakley presented three potential sites for a dog park and the estimated costs of development:

ŸCentral Road at the Canadian National railroad tracks between Wolf Road and River Road — roughly 1.8 acres; estimated cost, $200,000.

ŸLee Street at Prospect Lane — roughly 2.7-acre site purchased by the city 10 years ago for a future fire station; estimated cost, $300,000.

ŸDes Plaines River Road at Weller Creek — roughly .8-acre, state-owned property; estimated cost, $350,000, including cost of land acquisition and site demolition (state’s asking price is $150,000).

Attendees received an information packet about dog parks nationwide, and were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their preferred location for a dog park, whether they were interested in volunteering to serve on a committee, what amenities they would like to see, if they would be willing to support the dog park’s maintenance by purchasing an annual pass, and how much they would be willing to pay.

Residents shared their views on the need for separating small and large dogs, having different types of surfaces, the height of fencing used and maintenance.

“We wanted the meeting to be a fun, brainstorming event,” Moylan said in a news release. “We are open to the concerns of our dog owners so we can accommodate their needs. Parks like this aren’t just for dogs, they provide healthy opportunities for residents, too.”

Moylan urged residents interested in serving on the Dog Park Committee to call the dog park hotline at (847) 827-4966 or email dogpark@desplaines.org.

To view maps of the potential locations for a dog park, visit desplaines.org/dogpark.