Elgin asked to consider playground for four-legged residents

For the next month, Elgin leaders have something to new chew on: a proposal for the city's first-ever dog park.

The South West Area Neighbors, or SWAN, group on Tuesday presented its plan to transform the 3.45-acre Central Park into a haven for canines and their owners.

SWAN President Charlene Sligting said the location, just west of the Fox River, north of National Street and sandwiched between State Street and the train tracks, would benefit dogs and owners, too.

"It's a community park that supports social interaction between individuals who might not otherwise meet," she said.

Their proposal includes: separate fenced areas for large dogs and smaller dogs up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder and/or under 30 pounds; an agility area; an on-leash area; children's area; picnic area; and other "green" features.

Under the plan, tags must be purchased at the city for a $30 fee; owners must show their pets are up to date on shots, disease-free and neutered.

No final decision was made and the parks and recreation advisory board will revisit the plan at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Centre, 100 Symphony Way.

The board didn't voice any major objections. Also, during the monthlong period, the staff will consider whether the fee is needed.

Sligting doesn't have a cost estimate for the park, but hopes funding will be included in the 2009 budget. She also noted the dog tag fee will help offset maintenance costs. The city owns the park, which has an assortment of large trees and a view overlooking downtown.

About 20 residents attended the meeting to show support for the plan.

Elgin resident Lori Treml has visited several dog parks and said owners are good monitoring their dogs.

"We know if dogs are being aggressive or mean," she said. "People are really good about policing themselves."