I was initially against a 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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"Dogs are allowed off-leash only in the designated fenced enclosures." http://www.pdhp.org/index.aspx?page=485
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.
*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.