Forest Preserve Dog Parks

Dogs in the Preserves

Dogs are permitted at forest preserves but are prohibited at nature preserves. Three preserves also provide dog parks for off-leash dog exercising. These dog parks feature fenced areas where owners can let their dogs run free. A permit is required to use the parks. Currently, the District offers dog parks at:

Hammel Woods - DuPage River Access in Shorewood (7 acres)

Whalon Lake in Naperville/Bolingbrook (8 acres with a smaller 2.5-acre park for dogs under 30 lbs.)

Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen (5 acres with a smaller 1-acre park for dogs under 30 lbs.)

Dog Park Permits

A permit is required in order to use the dog parks, and the permit must be displayed on its lanyard during dog park use.

Annual dog park permits cost $25 per dog for Will County residents ($20 for senior citizens age 65 years or older), and $50 per dog for out-of-county residents ($40 for senior citizens age 65 years or older). Annual permits are valid for the calendar year; i.e., permits for 2010 will expire December 31, 2010. Permits for 2011 will be available beginning October 1, 2010.

Semi-annual permits and daily permits are also available. Semi-annual permits, good from July 1-December 31, cost $15 per dog for Will County residents, and $30 per dog for out-of-county residents. Daily permits cost $3 per dog for both in-county and out-of-county residents.

An applicant can register up to three dogs maximum. The applicant must show a current rabies tag or vet certificate for each dog. Applicants will receive a permit and ID lanyard to wear while visiting the park.

A dog park permit may be purchased by:

Visiting the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher, or Monee Reservoir in Monee.
Downloading the Dog Park Brochure and mailing the application form and fee to the Sugar Creek Administration Center.
Attending a Dog Park Permit Day, at which Forest Preserve staff visit the dog parks three times a year to sell permits on-site. In 2010, Dog Park Permit Days take place on March 27 (for 2010 permits), July 10 (for semi-annual 2010 permits), and October 9 (for 2011 permits). Visit the Event Calendar to find the next Dog Park Permit Day near you.

Dog obedience and agility programs are offered annually at Whalon Lake Preserve. Check the Event Calendar for dates and times. Please note that the agility equipment located at Whalon Lake is not for public use - it belongs to the agility instructor and is only to be used as part of the agility programs.

The Forest Preserve also hosts a Dog Park User Group on Facebook - check it out!

Dog Park Regulations

The following regulations must be followed by dog park users. Tickets may be issued for failure to follow these regulations.

All users are required to purchase a dog park permit prior to entry, and to wear the ID lanyard.

Owners may only have three dogs in the park at one time.

Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.

Because of the plant and animal habitats that make preserves unique, District regulations require that a dog must be on a leash of no greater than ten feet in length when in a preserve.

Please use caution when visiting the dog park, and leash and/or remove your dog from the park at the first sign of aggressive behavior.

Owners must remain with their dogs inside the fenced dog park and keep their dogs under control at all times. Dogs must not be allowed to disturb, harass, or interfere with wildlife or visitors.

Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage caused by their dogs.

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and not left unattended at the dog park.

Dogs must display a current rabies tag.

Owners must leave unhealthy dogs and those in heat at home.

Caution and good judgment should be used when introducing puppies to the dog park.

Puppies under six months of age are not allowed.

Owners must clean up after their dogs by requirement of Ordinance 124.

Small dog treats for training purposes are permitted; please refrain from bringing other food or treat items into the dog park.

No alcohol is allowed in the dog parks.

Dogs are not permitted to wade or swim in Whalon Lake.

Failure to comply with any of the above rules may result in fines and/or revocation of your dog park permit.

All state, county, local, and District ordinances will be enforced.

Dogs in Dog Park

Photographs Courtesy of Ron Molk and Adam Plecker

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