Highland Park opens new dog park

Highland Park dogs have yet another reason to beg.

The Park District of Highland Park has opened a new dog park at Larry Fink Memorial Park, 701 Deer Creek Parkway. The fenced, off-leash exercise area, named The Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park, joins Moraine Beach and the Golf Learning Center in offering area pet owners a place to let dogs run and socialize in a safely confined area.

The new dog park includes two adjoined fenced areas allowing separate exercise space for large and small dogs. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets. Bag dispensers and trash receptacles are provided along with a convenient wash station. The new dog park will be open dawn to dusk, all year, and is ADA accessible.

“This community has long requested an additional year-round dog park, and the park district joins the pet owners of Highland Park in extending thanks to the Beitler family for the generous donation that turned that request into a reality,” Park District Executive Director Liza McElroy said.

Picture permits are required to use the park, and can be purchased at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road. City of Highland Park dog tag number and rabies vaccination number are also required. Permits are $40 for resident dogs and $140 for nonresidents. One permit allows entrance to all three parks.

Download the dog park permit registration form and waiver at www.pdhp.org. A dog park dedication ceremony is currently being coordinated with the Beitler family. For information call the Park District of Highland Park, at (847) 831-3810.