Concepts
Based on community input, the Park Board approved a dog park site master plan including:
- Large and small dog areas
- Pathway within each area
- Agility course and water play area
- Shade and shelter and seating around park
- Nature hill and tunnel amenity
- Restroom and storage building

“I'm excited for the dog park. I have two small dogs and hope that they can use a small dog enclosed play area."

The Why
The Vision 2020 Needs Assessment revealed:
- An off-leash dog park as one of the top three outdoor facility priorities
- Elmhurst’s lack of a dog park is a deficiency compared to neighboring communities
- The American Pet Products Association found that there was a "30 percent increase in dog ownership when comparing 2017-18 figures to 2011-12.”
Benefits and Opportunities
- Expand park offerings and the level of services provided to the community
- Provide a safe place for dogs to be off leash in a park and reduce the number of off leash dogs in parks

“Just immense support for a much-needed dog park in Elmhurst. Thank you!!”
Potential New Programs
-
Obedience Classes (Beginner - Advanced)
-
Adoption Days
-
Agility Classes
-
Halloween Costume Party
-
Dog Days and Fair (Adoption event with vendors, groomers, vets)
-
Doggie Date Night
-
Mobile Grooming
Proposed Solution
To address the community's dog park deficiency, the District proposes building a new dog park at 0S761 Old York Road (acquired in 2017) for a construction cost of $1.72 million. Proposed new operating subsidy is $26,000 (operating subsidy will be offset with increased revenue from expanded programs at Wagner Community Center and Eldridge Park Recreation Building).