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. 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 35 lbs.)

Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen (5 acres with a smaller 1-acre park for dogs under 35 lbs.)

Want to connect with us and other dog park patrons? The Forest Preserve hosts a Dog Park User Group on Facebook - check it out!

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.

Permit Type	Will County Residents Fee			Non-Residents Fee
Permit Type	One Dog	Two Dogs	Three Dogs	One Dog	Two Dogs	Three Dogs
Annual (Issued January-June)	$40	$55	$70	$80	$110	$140
Annual (Senior Citizen*)	$35	$45	$55	$70	$90	$110
Half-Year (Issued Beginning July 1)	$25	$35	$45	$50	$70	$90
Half-Year (Senior Citizen*)	$15	$25	$35	$30	$50	$70
Daily	$5	$10	$15	$5	$10	$15

*The Senior Citizen fee applies to ages 65 years or older.

Annual permits are valid for the calendar year; i.e., permits for 2012 will expire December 31, 2012.

An applicant can register up to three dogs maximum. The applicant must show a current rabies tag or vet certificate for each dog. (Although vaccination for Leptospirosis is not required to obtain a permit, the District encourages pet owners to be aware of the risk for this disease. Learn more on the Leptospirosis news article page.) Applicants will receive a permit and ID lanyard to wear while visiting the park.

An annual, half-year, or daily dog park permit may be purchased by:

Visiting the Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, or Monee Reservoir in Monee. (Please note that the Plum Creek Nature Center in Beecher is currently closed for preserve improvements.)
Downloading the Dog Park Permit Application and mailing it with 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. Visit the Event Calendar to find the next Dog Park Permit Day near you.

As a special bonus, our valued partner, Pet Supplies "PLUS", has a special offer just for the District's dog park permitholders!

Bring your Forest Preserve District of Will County Dog Park Permit (lanyard) to any of the Pet Supplies "PLUS" locations listed below, and receive 10% off your purchase of all non-food items!

270 Bolingbrook Drive, Rt. 53
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
630.739.7777

720 Ogden Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
630.904.2100

2747 Forgue Drive
Naperville, IL 60564
630.904.0500

(This discount is valid at any of the above listed locations, and may not be used in conjunction with any other coupons or offers.)

Dog Park Programs

A variety of programs and events are offered at the dog parks. Check the Event Calendar for dates and times.

Dog Park Regulations

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

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 not in a designated dog park.

All users are required to purchase a dog park permit prior to entry, and to wear the ID lanyard at all times when in the dog park.

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

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

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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