DuPage forest preserve may open dog park near Darien

Dog owners in the southeast corner of DuPage County someday could be playing with their four-legged friends in a dog park that's closer to home.

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners are considering a proposal to construct an off-leash dog park in Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve near Darien.

On Tuesday, district officials informed commissioners that there's a roughly 6-acre spot within Oldfield Oaks that could be used. Next month, the board is expected to review a list of what amenities the dog park could feature.

"I'm thrilled this is in my district," said Commissioner Linda Painter, who represents the area that includes all or parts of Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Naperville, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge.

Off-leash dog areas are located at six forest preserves around DuPage. But they all are miles away from residents in the southeastern part of the county.

"We don't have any dog parks near us," said Painter, adding that she's closet to the parks at Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook and Greene Valley Forest Preserve near Naperville.

Painter said the proposed site at Oldfield Oaks is a wide open parcel.

"There's nothing on it," she said. "It's all high and dry. In fact, one side of it already has fencing from the previous owner."

The question officials need to determine is what features residents want - and how much those features would cost.

"Do they (residents) want it like Mayslake, which is the best of the best, and take a longer time?" Painter said. "Or do they want it more rustic and natural and done sooner at a lower price?"