Batavia dog park fun to cost less

It will cost less for you to play with your dog at Batavia's Bark Park this season.

The Batavia Park District has cut the permit fees just about in half.

Park district residents will pay $20 for the privilege of letting Spot run around the 3-acre enclosure at West Main Community Park, 40W101 Main St. Batavia residents who live outside the park district will pay $25, and nonresidents pay $30. That's down from $40, $46 and $57.

Each additional dog in a household is $5, $6 and $7. The permit gets you an access code to the lock on the gate.

The change was prompted by responses to a survey sent to permit holders. Although the park generally got good remarks, about 35 percent of the respondents were on the fence about whether they would buy permits this year.

"The first year was a learning experience for us. We also understand everyone is trying to save money right now," said Kari Miller, the district's marketing and public relations manager. Last year, 247 people bought permits.

The park will be mowed more frequently this season, weeds will be fought more vigorously, and some trees will be removed.

A small pavilion will be installed.

And the Batavia Water Department has donated a spare fire hydrant for, well, you can guess.

Dog owners interested in setting up "puppy play dates" can give their e-mail addresses to the district for a database. Owners last year told the district they want their dogs to socialize with other dogs.

The district is also thinking of offering doggy birthday party rentals and pet adoption events at the park.

Permits for the 2009 season, which begins April 1 and ends with the first measurable snow in the fall, are sold at the Batavia Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St. A current shots history, including rabies, distemper and heartworm, and results of a test for internal parasites, must be shown at the time of purchase. If you purchased a permit last year and your dog's shots are still current, there is no need to submit the records again.