Oswego has established user fees and rules for a new dog park set to open in two to three weeks in the village.
Trustees last year approved the construction of a dog park on nearly an acre near the village’s Public Works facility at 100 Theodore Drive on the village’s southeast side.
Installation of fencing around the dog park was set to begin recently, village officials said.
Village staff members came to the Village Board recently with recommendations for pricing and rules for the dog park based on what has been done in other communities. Staff members said 24 dog parks around the Chicago area were researched to determine user fees for the village’s new facility.
“Of the 24 dog parks studied, six of them are free for residents and 18 required some type of payment or permit system,” Public Works Director Jennifer Hughes said in a report to trustees.
The research revealed the mean price annually at the other parks was $44 for residents and $82 for non-residents and $15 for each additional dog for a resident and $25 for each additional dog for a non-resident. The mean price for a one-day pass is $8.
Trustees approved staff’s recommendation for the new Oswego dog park of an annual fee of $40 for the first dog and $10 for each additional dog for people who live in the village. The annual fee for non-residents will be $80 for the first dog and $15 for each additional dog. A day pass will be $10 per dog.
“The proposed system of payment is to utilize an electronic gate system where each patron will use a key fob to enter the dog park,” Hughes said. “Key fobs will be given out once a patron has their permit approved.”
Hughes said there are benefits to using the key fob system.
“By utilizing a fob system, the village will better understand demand for and use of the park, prevent sharing of pass codes on a keypad system, and if there are problems at the park the village would be able to identify which users were in the park at the time of the incident,” Hughes said.
Trustees approved staff recommendations for rules at the dog park as well.
The dog park hours will be from sunrise to sunset. Patrons must obey all signs and keep dogs in designated areas and have proof that the dog has its license and immunizations, officials said.
There will be a maximum of two dogs per person allowed at the park, and the animals must be kept within view and voice command of their owner.
Dogs must be on a leash while entering and existing the park and dog owners are required to clean up for their dog and have a valid dog park permit, according to officials.
Aggressive, sick or dogs in heat are prohibited at the dog park, according to the ordinance. In addition, puppies under 6 months old are not allowed as well.
Users will be made aware that owners are responsible for any damage or harm their dog may inflict on village property, people or other dogs and that the dog park is a use at your own risk facility, according to the ordinance.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
