Grand Opening For Oswego's First Dog Park Set For August

OSWEGO, IL — In just a few short weeks, Oswego residents will soon have a designated place to take their furry friends out to play. A grand opening ceremony for the village's first dog park, Happy Tails Dog Park, is set for 4 p.m. Aug. 9.

Located in the southwest corner of the Oswego Public Works Facility, 100 Theodore Drive, Happy Tails Dog Park will have four paddocks — one at the entrance for all dogs, two primary ones each for small and large dogs, and a fourth for obstacles and training for all dogs, Patch reported.

Village Board trustees approved the construction of the park in November 2021. While the lot on Theodore Drive, near Oswego High School, eventually won out, officials considered building the park on the east side of the Oswego Police Department or at Venue 1012. At the police station, there is no adjacent parking available and at the concert center, the space is limited and needed for concert-goers.

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Before plans were unveiled for Oswego's first dog park, the nearest locations served the Fox Valley and Plainfield park districts.

Bringing dogs to Oswego's park will come with a cost, and annual membership rates will vary. Membership for an Oswego resident's first dog is $40, plus an extra $10 per additional dog. The price doubles for non-Oswego residents: Membership for the first dog will cost $80, and each additional dog will be another $15.

Comparatively, no fees or permits are required to use any of the three dog parks operated by the Plainfield Park District.

A few rules will apply to people bringing their dogs to the park. Officials said visitors must:

• Possess a valid Village of Oswego Dog Park permit
• Have proof of rabies vaccination
• Bring no more than two dogs per person
• Obey all signs and keep dogs in designated areas only
• Keep your dog in view and under voice command at all times
• Leash dogs while entering and exiting the park
• Clean up after your dog
• Dispose of all trash properly

Some dogs, and items, will be prohibited at the park, including the following.

• Aggressive, sick, or dogs in heat
• Puppies under six months of age
• Intact males over the age of six months
• Unattended food
• Children under the age of five are not allowed
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
• Alcoholic beverages and smoking/vaping

A registration form to access Happy Tails Dog Park can be found on the village's website.