Batavia's Bark Park to be free

Dogs can frolic for free this year at Batavia's Bark Park.

The Batavia Park District has decided to stop requiring permits to use the park, and will not charge a per-dog annual fee.

Last year, the district cut the fee for resident dogs in half.

The fenced-in 3-acre Bark Park, located at the rear of West Main Community Park, opens April 1.

"We want people to be able to enjoy the Bark Park the same as they would enjoy any of our other parks," Jeff Clark, director of leisure services, said in a prepared statement.

Last year, fees ranged from $20 for residents to $53 for nonresidents.

Patrons will no longer have to show proof of vaccinations for their dogs. The security gates will be removed so users can enter and exit at their leisure.

The park, at 40W101 Main St., includes a wooded area and a shelter.

For more information about the Bark Park, including doggy birthday party rentals and play dates, call (630) 879-5235.