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Dog Park Rules
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Dog Park Coming Soon!
Last year, in February, the idea of a
Dog Park in Northlake was initially proposed. Dog Parks are a popular new recreational activity for dog owners and their four footed
friends. They are popping up all over America including the Chicago land area. Towns such as Chicago, Addison, Evanston, Forest
Park, Oak Park and Oak Brook just to name a few. After a thorough review of the issues, along with feedback from the public, the
City Council voted on March 20th to open an "experimental" Dog Park in Centerpoint Preserve. The park will run for one year, and then
the City Council will reevaluate the success of the project next year to determine if they will make it a permanent Dog Park. The
initial proposed site was along Palmer Ave., but after concerns were expressed from residents in that area, the city chose another
site in Centerpoint Preserve. Look for the large American flagpole and you will easily find the new site. Currently, the City's
Animal Control Ordinance (5-5A-3, A & C.2.) states that:
"No person shall permit any dog or cat to run at large in the city" nor "to trespass upon any street or other public place unless the
dog or cat is under the control of the owner or other person in a vehicle or is controlled by a chain or leash of sufficient strength
and length to control the actions of the dog or cat."
Most of us have seen individuals
walking their dog(s) off leash in Centerpoint Preserve in violation of this ordinance. Obviously, there are individuals who enjoy letting
their dogs off leash. A dog park is a solution to this problem.
So what exactly is a dog park?
According to the definition of the City's new Ordinance O-09-2006, " a dog park means an enclosed area were dogs are permitted to be off a
leash." But a dog park is much more than that. One new resident of Northlake wrote to us telling of her experiences with dog
parks:
"A walk around the neighborhood demonstrates many Northlake residents are dog owners. A dog park would be a wonderful addition to our
community. The park will provide a place for owners and their dogs to socialize, exercise and practice good citizenship.
Well-socialized dogs are less likely to be aggressive towards strangers. Socialization is very important to maintain harmony, not only
amongst our canine friends, but also amongst members of our community. A friendly and safe gathering place opens the doors to new
friendships. Northlake offers wonderful parks, trails and sidewalks for residents to exercise. Our four-legged friends are also feeling
the bulge in their waistlines. Although many places offer dogs to be on a leash, a park dedicated to their needs would allow dogs to play
and explore without getting their leashes tangled around lamp posts, trees and other obtrusive objects. Many people practice good
citizenship, but do their pets? Dogs need constant training and practice to remember their manners. A dog park provides the perfect
place for this practice and owners can even benefit by learning from each other." Joslyn Osten, 4th Ward Resident.
The experimental dog park will be
set up according to the Cook County Animal Control Ordinance that went into effect June 1, 2005. The city is required to issue permits,
verifying that every dog that enters the park is free of communicable diseases. Anyone entering the park with a dog that does not have
a permit will be subject to a fine of not less than $50, but not more than $1,000. Rules have been established and will be posted at
the park. Most people who go to dog parks feel that when the regulations make sense and are not too restrictive, people usually have
few problems following them. Remember, these rules are established to protect you and your dog(s).
If you are interested in obtaining
a Dog Park Permit, cut out the application and have it filled out and signed by your veterinarian. If you take your dog for it's annual
rabies vaccine, then your dog is also receiving the other vaccinations for Distemper, Hepatitis, Para-influenza and Parvovirus. If you
kennel your dog then he/she also gets the Kennel Cough vaccine. Make sure you also bring in a stool sample for your veterinarian to
test for internal parasites. Then, bring the completed application to City Hall. The permit also requires that your dog have a City
of Northlake Pet License, which is $2.00. You will then be issued your City of Northlake Dog Park Permit, which is $10 for the first
dog and $5 for each dog up to three total. You must wear this permit while at the Dog Park and your dog must be wearing their Rabies tag
and City of Northlake Pet License. The City of Northlake Police Department and Leyden Animal Control will patrol the area and enforce
the rules. The park is also under video surveillance.
The City of Northlake is very
excited to be making this opportunity available to its residents. We hope you enjoy the new Dog Park and would like any feedback you
feel would be helpful to make it a success. You can send comments to
northlakemayor@comcast.net.
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Dog Park