Lake Zurich Dogs Might Get a Walk in the Park
Park board explores allowing dogs in parks; survey showed dog parks are one of the most demanded facilities by Lake Zurich residents.
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Taking your dog for a walk in the park seems like an all-American activity, but in Lake Zurich dogs are not allowed in parks.
The Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Advisory Board has been exploring allowing dogs in at least some village parks.
“We’re trying to give residents something they have asked for,” said Dawn Brazier, park board chair. “We’re in the investigation stage. Right now, we are looking to see if some parks might be more amenable than others,” she said.
Brazier explained that residents’ desire to allow dogs in parks came out of the Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Community Survey, which was performed prior to the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan in 2011.
Dog parks were among the most demanded facilities; other requests were for a community center, an aquatic center, expansion of the skatepark, community gardens, nature walks, and trails connecting recreation facilities throughout the Village.
Creating a dog park is unlikely in the village’s tight budget, however the park board is exploring if it would be feasible to allow dogs in certain parks.
"I'm sure some people do walk their dogs in village parks; they don't realize they are not allowed," Brazier said.
“Most of the parks are in neighborhoods, so there are concerns over droppings, noise, kids being in parks. We’re investigating whether this can happen or not,” Brazier said.
“We’re trying to balance residents who may not want dogs in the park with quite a few people who are saying they do want dogs in parks,” Brazier said.
The village code would need to be changed to allow dogs in parks. The park advisory board would come up with a recommendation which would be voted on by the village board.
Tell us what you think about dogs in Lake Zurich Parks.
NW
2:25 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Yes, I'm sure dogs in LZ parks is number one on our priority list over the disgusting way our downtown looks.......
Mary N
3:34 pm on Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Dogs should be allowed into parks with RESPONSIBLE owners, who realize that they are animals and therefore unpredictable. For other peoples' sake, the dogs should ALWAYS remain on a leash held by a capable person (who will watch out for the dog's safety as well) and for goodness sake, pick up anything it leaves behind.
DaddyO
10:09 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
We dont need it. Lakewood Dog Park is just a few miles away.
Annette
1:12 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Yes dogs should be allowed in LZ parks. Large cities allow dogsin parks. Signs in parks say curb your dog...means keep them leashed & pk up after them. How about residents pay small annual fee & proceeds pay for poop bags/dispenser like path entrance @ Cuba Marsh walking path. Red Bridge Farm resident
Resident 225
3:24 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
Dogs should not be allowed in the majority of our parks. The Park Board should look at the many parks in our Village and designate 1 or 2 as dog parks. This would satisfy the need and keep our other parks clean. I know the majority clean up after their dog but as evidenced by my lawn there are a good number that don't see it as their responsibility.
DaddyO
2:37 pm on Friday, February 15, 2013
You sure that doggie doo?
Phil Barcini
4:24 pm on Thursday, February 14, 2013
There is nothing wrong with allowing people to walk their dogs in the parks - all of them. I really don't see anything wrong with you being allowed to play frisbee or other games with your dog in the park.
However, the parks should not be used as over-sized dog runs. There are too many sanitation issues where kids play.
Marie
9:01 am on Friday, February 15, 2013
on a leash, yes. Free running, no.
paul
6:54 am on Sunday, February 17, 2013
dogs are unpredictable? I can predict the behavior of dogs way better than of humans. Get to know a dog, you might like it :)
sej
6:23 pm on Monday, February 18, 2013
A fenced in designated dog park would be best. I live close to one of the parks and people do not clean up here after their dogs while walking down the street (no sidewalks) so you know they will not clean up in a park that kids play football, baseball, etc. People run their dogs in the park with no regard to picking up as I have observed. I walk my dog on a leash and clean up not everyone does