Lake County district marks pet fences with flags

Lake County Forest Preserve District officials on Tuesday marked relatively new fences near a Wauconda-area dog park with colored flags after learning a few pets were injured when they ran into the barriers.

"We're very sorry it happened to a couple of dogs," said Andy Kimmel, the district's deputy executive director. "Hopefully that will prevent any other dogs from running into the fence."

District officials learned Monday of the incidents at the Lakewood Forest Preserve's dog exercise area, which is on Route 176 east of Fairfield Road.

To make room for a new hiking and biking trail on the north side of Route 176, the fence along the dog park's southern boundary was moved about a week ago. Additionally, a temporary fence separates the park from an area where a small shade shelter is being built, he said.

The dogs - allowed to roam free at the park - ran into these fences, Kimmel said.

District employees quickly acted to make the fences safer, Kimmel said.

Additionally, some dog owners have expressed concern about the trail being so close to the exercise area, fearing bike riders or runners will distract their animals. Next year, trees and bushes will be planted between the park and the trail to shield the animals from activity on the path, Kimmel said.

"We've thought about those things," he said. "They're in the plans for the site."

Any pet owners who encounter problems at the dog exercise area should call the district at (847) 367-6640.