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Cook County campsites, dog parks among amenities reopening

The Forest Preserves of Cook County on Thursday announced the reopening of more amenities, such as camp sites and off-leash dog areas, in conjunction with the move to Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.

"I am glad that conditions in our region are allowing us to increase access to the preserves and what they offer," said Arnold Randall, the general superintendent of the forest preserve district, in a news release. "This is a step toward returning to more of what people expect and enjoy in the Forest Preserves, even though we're far from being back to business as usual."

The district reopened camping at four of its five campgrounds in a limited capacity - Camp Reinberg in Palatine, Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland and Camp Bullfrog Lake in Willow Springs. Tents and cabins are allowed Thursday through Sunday, and RVs throughout the week.

Three off-leash dog areas - Beck Lake near Des Plaines, Bremen Grove near Tinley Park and Miller Meadow-South near Forest Park - are scheduled to reopen Saturday.

And while all 10 golf courses are open with Phase 3 state rules for play in effect, Rolling Knolls disc golf course near Elgin is scheduled to reopen June 12.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course with ziplining in Western Springs will open with modified operations on June 13.

Busse Lake Boating Center near Elk Grove Village will open on Mondays and Thursdays with limited rental capacity, and starting Monday, Maple Lake Boating Center near Willow Springs is open for concessions only Monday through Thursday.

But many public facilities remain closed, including Forest Preserves public buildings, Nature Center buildings and grounds, aquatic centers, the Swallow Cliff stairs, and restrooms.

Weekend parking closures remain in effect at six preserves, including Busse Woods.

For updated reopening information, visit fpdcc.com/coronavirus.

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