“I think dog parks are an excellent way to socialize a puppy and provide nice recreational activity for owners.” Michael Malitz, a veterinarian with Countryside Animal Clinic in Northbrook, wrote this in response to his support for a dog park in Northbrook.

Dog parks are increasing in popularity across the state in response to loyal dog owners who want a safe place for their canine friends to run around and play. The open space movement in the suburbs is not solely for us two-legged beings. In fact, most parks restrict dogs from running free in open spaces. Thus, limiting the exercise our four-legged friends get while at the park.

Dog parks are a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. For both you and your pooch. While your dog runs around and socializes with other dogs, you have the opportunity to talk with other like-minded people. However, being a frequent dog park user I know that can be a nightmare! There are dog people…and then there are dog people!

Finding space though is a major constrain to communities supporting and building dog parks. A group of residents on the North Shore have vocally expressed their interest in having a dog park but the space to build just doesn’t seem to be there.

How did you go about gaining support for a dog park in your community? What sort of advice would you give to both residents and other park and forest preserve districts?