At the June 11 Dog Park Informational Meeting, residents got their first look at the concept design for the Park District of Franklin Park’s long-anticipated Dog Park. Years in the making, the project reflects strong community support for a local off-leash space. While the Village of Franklin Park is not involved in the development process and management, they played a key role by leasing the land at 9621 Pacific Avenue to the Park District. This has allowed us to make this project possible without the need for land acquisition.
How We Got Here
The idea for a community dog park has been voiced by residents for years, but formal planning began in April 2024 when the Park District initiated discussions with the Village. In November 2024, Park District ordinances were updated to allow dogs into a designated dog park.
The park, 9621 Pacific Avenue, was chosen for its centralized location, high visibility, and cost-efficiency, as no new land acquisition was necessary.
In January 2025, an intergovernmental agreement with the Village laid the foundation for development. That was followed by an environmental study in February and rezoning in April. With these steps complete, the Park District presented the concept design to the public and opened the door for feedback.
The Concept Design
The proposed design prioritizes safety, accessibility, and enrichment for both dogs and their owners. Key features include:
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Separate areas for large and small dogs
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Water and waste stations
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Natural landscaping and shade
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Agility features for exercise and play
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Secure, double-gated entrances for safe entry and exit
While the park location is set, specific amenities may be revised based on community feedback. Residents are encouraged to share their input through upcoming meetings and a public survey.
It’s important to note that some design elements fall under a long-term master plan. Not all features shown will be included in Phase I of construction. Optional or future features are marked as alternatives in the plan’s legend.
Take the Community Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KPXLYKL
📸 Above: Current site at 9621 Pacific Avenue
📸 Above: Dog Park Concept Plan
Draft Rules & Registration
To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment, draft rules have been developed with input from the Park District’s Risk Management Association and are modeled on best practices from similar facilities. Final rules will be published online and posted at the park prior to opening.
Key rules in development include:
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All dogs must be registered through the Community Center
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Owners and dogs must wear a visible lanyard or tag while in the park
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Dogs must be current on vaccinations and able to behave off-leash
These rules remain in draft form and are open to community review and comment.
What’s Next: Project Timeline
The project is on track for a 2026 debut. The timeline includes:
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January 2026 – Project goes out to bid
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February 2026 – Contract awarded
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Spring 2026 – Construction begins
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Late Summer/Early Fall 2026 – Grand opening celebration
Regular updates will be shared through the Park District’s website and social media platforms. Leading up to the park’s opening, expect special dog-friendly events and programming to help build excitement and community engagement.
Click here for the Dog Park FAQ: https://www.fpparks.org/dog-park-faq