South Elgin likely to open dog park in 2009

South Elgin leaders have taken the first step toward establishing a dog park near the village's far west Thornwood subdivision.

Trustees Monday night did not voice any major objections to a concept plan by the village's parks and recreation department to spend $15,000 for engineering to use part of a 22-acre wetland for a fenceless dog park.

"I don't even have a dog and I like it," Trustee Steven Ward said.

Jim Reuter, the village's parks and recreation director, said if all goes according to plan, the park could be open by midsummer 2009.

The proposed location is just west of Otter Creek and south of McDonald Road, west of Randall Road.

Reuter said the area will be bordered by a walking path and officials hope dogs will be discouraged from running too far away by tall grasses that surround the area.

"We're going to give it a shot and see what happens," he said. "If you're going to take your dog out somewhere, you've got to have a little responsibility."

The next step for the village will be to obtain cost estimates for paving a parking lot off McDonald and south of Peppertree Lane that will contain at least 22 spaces. Money for that will be discussed as the village prepares its budget for next year, but Reuter is optimistic the project will happen.

He also stressed the village will have open houses for residents who live near the park.

Rules for the park have not been finalized, but residents who use it must apply for dog tags at village hall and show their dogs are up to date on all their shots.

Right now, the village is considering charging $40 to $50 for up to two tags. Nonresidents will be charged 20 percent more.

That's a separate cost from county dog licenses.

Park hours will be from dawn to dusk. Large dogs will be separated from smaller dogs by their weight and allowed to roam free in two separate areas. Dogs younger than six months old will be prohibited.

"All of this is what we're going to be digging our teeth into (in coming months)," Reuter said.

Dog parks have grown more common in the suburbs.

Elgin leaders also are considering establishing a dog park. One possible location is at the 3.45-acre Central Park off Route 31 on the city's near west side.

A committee to look at that and other locations has been established. The earliest it could make a recommendation is Nov. 25.