New Dog Park An Accident Waiting to Happen
Resident voices safety concerns about the dog park at Fink Park.
I was initially against a dog park at Fink Park and received a very minimal response from the Park District.
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My objection had to do with safety concerns. One question asked but not answered was "Who would be liable if a dog or a person was inured or killed in that space which is on public property belonging to Highland Park?"
I walk in the park at least every other day. Usually when I'm there, anywhere from zero to three dogs are in the dog area. On Saturday morning, however, there were eight dogs with there owners. I witnessed a) a dog fight among three large dogs which was scary but contained by the owners b) every small dog there was in the big dog area c) there were 3 dogs off leash in the main park, two of which moved towards me as I rounded the bend… I did tell the men to leash their dogs which I assume they did. Those with small dogs did complain at a public meeting that the small dog area should be larger. It was explained to them that this was for the safety of the smaller dogs. In fact, the internet is filled with suggestions that there always be a separate area for small and large dogs.
I fear that this is an accident waiting to happen. As usual, there are those who feel the rules don't apply to them.
Laurie Weiss
Highland Park resident
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Mosaic53
11:46 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
This is one place I will not be bringing our 3 year old Maltese. Sadly, the Park Distruct is not in a position to "police" users. It's basically use at your own risk. I agree with you regarding the "Special" people who think rules are meant for others, not them. My husband takes our dog to Rosewood Beach on her leash. There are numerous people who allow their dogs OFF LEASH (against the law in HP) to romp all over the beach & in the water. When one large dog started towards our 10 lb. dog, my husband reminded the owner that no dogs were allowed off leash, he was told to mind his own f**king business. The PD does not have the resources to supervise any of these areas. It was generous of the Beitler Fsmily to donate the money for the naming privilege & I hate to see a generous gesture already garnering negative attention.
Ed Brill
11:52 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Actually, these parks are designed to be off-leash areas.
"Dogs are allowed off-leash only in the designated fenced enclosures."
http://www.pdhp.org/index.aspx?page=485
4fillac
12:10 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Why have an off leash park when all the parks in Highland Park have dog owners that don't leash..."It's ok, my dog won't bite"...as the 100+ pound jumps up on my 4 year old son walking the bike path with his mom. HIGHLAND PARK POLICE DO NOTHING! The law is clear "leash your dog at all times!"
Jim Mattern
4:44 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
We have been to the new dog park several times each week and had e not encountered any problems at all. Things seem to be working out just fine. I do agree that the small dog area is rarely used.
Deborah Brill
7:17 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
When I lived in the city, I practically lived at various dog parks with my dog Payton. I was also instrumental in getting the funding and renovations for the Wicker Park dog park. Yes, there are going to be "bad" dogs but the owners are 100% responsible for their dogs actions. I think that it's great that there is a year round dog park for our community to enjoy. I don't really like my dog getting wet and sandy all the time at the beach :)
Grace J Beitler
7:29 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
My name is Grace Beitler. First of all, the park has not officially opened. It opens tomorrow August 11th.
My Mother was instrumental in creating a HANDICAPPED accessible dog park for the highland park dog lovers who could not access the existing moraine dog play area at the beach before she died. She loved walking our two dogs but could never take them to play off the leash successfully at our exisiting parks because of her handicap. Walking your dog anywhere in the city presents risk, there are always risks no matter what the circumstances. While we appreciate both negative and positive comments, you have to realize that walking a dog on a leash is even dangerous, they are unpredictable creatures no matter how well trained, how small or how large... Thanks.
Me
9:51 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
@Ed - You didn't read thnly portions are for off-leash dogs.Oe whole website.
*The fenced dog exercise areas are the ONLY Park District locations that dogs are allowed off-leash. A picture permit card is required to be allowed entrance into any of these off-leash areas. We want all of our guests to have fun and be safe; rules and regulations will be strictly enforced. Dog owner cooperation and compliance is the key to the success of this program.
Cathy
12:00 pm on Saturday, August 11, 2012
We love coming to the dog park with our Portie! We take him from the car on a leash and only take him off leash in the designated area. We come to the park from Glencoe and pay $140/yr for a permit that allows us access to the dog parks and beach. We're grateful for the opportunity to exercise our energetic puppy without having to take long walks on hot days (owner with Multiple Sclerosis). Our dog loves having the chance to play with other dogs and behaves much better on his walks after adequate playtime! Thank you for use of your parks!