New Dog Park Discussed by Des Plaines Officials, Residents
Three locations were proposed by city staff.
Every dog has his day, and Des Plaines is no different. City officials and residents met in city council chambers to discuss options for a new dog park on Wednesday. If approved by city council, Des Plaines’ four-legged residents will soon run, jump and rollover in a space designed with the canine in mind.
Mayor Martin Moylan said residents have asked him when the city would build a dog park, and the city is currently home to more than 4,000 dog owners. The Des Plaines Park District officially opened parks to dogs on Aug. 1.
Moylan said an ad hoc committee to discuss the dog park proposal would be formed and invited to a meeting with an alderman liaison in the next few weeks.
“As mayor, I’m really excited because this is one exciting issue that I want to work on to see complete,” Moylan said.
One of the proposed dog park locales at Lee Street and Prospect Avenue was the site of a planned fire station the city purchased 10 years ago. In November 2011 city council approved refinancing interest on some tax increment financing, or TIF, bonds. Alderman Matt Bogusz, finance committee chairman, said the changes would save the city approximately $500,000.
Kirsten and Peter Von Busch attended the dog park meeting to find out how their one-and-a-half year old Victorian bulldog, Zuzu, would be able to enjoy the new doggie play area. Kirsten Von Busch said while it was nice that the park district recently opened up the parks to dogs, she liked the idea of a separate area for dogs only. She said they like to take Zuzu to lots of places around Des Plaines.
“But sometimes dogs make other people nervous," Kirsten Von Busch said. "It’s nice the dogs can be allowed in regular parks, but this is a space just for dogs and dog owners where it’s not conflicting with other park-goers.”
Wayne Serbin, a Des Plaines resident that attends many public meetings, said now was not the right time to build a dog park.
“Right now I think it’s the wrong time to do this,” Serbin said. “We are in tough times; we should wait until times get better for a dog park.”
Sometimes we have to put off things that are less important, Serbin said.
“Tax revenues keep the city financially afloat, and a dog park can wait until times are better, if they get better,” Serbin said.
Des Plaines Patch has a Facebook page; we would love it if you would like it.
Tim Oakley, director of public works and engineering, said the three proposed locations were:
1. The northernmost site at the intersection of Central Road and the Canadian National railroad tracks, located about midway between Wolf and Des Plaines River roads. Approximately 1.8 acres, 300 feet wide by 270 feet long. Approximate cost, $200,000.
2. Southernmost location at Lee Street and Prospect Avenue, most centrally-located. Approximately 2.7 acres, 200 feet wide by 520 feet long. Approximate cost, $300,000.
3. Property for sale by the state of Illinois, east of Des Plaines River Road and abutting Willow Creek at 477 S. Des Plaines River Road. Approximately .8 acre. Approximate cost, $350,000.
Mary Beth
12:55 pm on Thursday, August 16, 2012
There always seems to be money available for others things. A dog park benefits not just dogs, but people. In addition to the many well known benefits of having a companion dog, people tend to socialize more in public when a well behaved dog is involved. While walking my dogs, many people come up to pet them, talk with me and my dogs. Some of them are elderly persons who cannot own pets in their current living situations. What better place to take a walk for a dog lover who cannot own a dog than in a dog park? And a great place for dog owners and their dogs to socialize and exercise.
Amy
8:36 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
How cana dog park cost that much???
Mary Beth
11:08 am on Friday, August 17, 2012
A good point, Amy. Especially if they already own the land, as it sounds like in the first two proposed sites. There would be the cost of fencing, double gates, water fountains-for humans and dogs, benches, garbage cans, trees...what else? Not sure how this could add up to $200-300,000? I would like to see an itemized list.
Amy
2:12 pm on Friday, August 17, 2012
I guess there was a meeting last night, I should keep up on things more, they are forming a committee. Like most things in DP even if the people votes against it, it will end up being built. I would love a dag park but really quite a pricy park.