Parks that Make Dogs Happy in Joliet

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whispers is constantly stresses the need for dog to exercise, "All dogs require exercise to lead balanced, healthy lives."A well-exercised dog is a happy and trouble free dog, but sometimes a walk just is not enough, especially for the very active breeds. Dog Parks are a great alternative, where owners can let their dogs run and explore.

In the Joliet area, there are three year round parks dedicated to dogs. Permits are required to use two of them, but these fees are used to maintain the parks and to provide bags for waste removal. In addition, all permit owners must verify that their dogs are up to date in their vaccinations. Information on how to get a permit can be found at the Forest Preserve District of Will County website. Owners are allowed to register up to three dogs.

Hammel Wood Dog Park in Shoreview is nestled on the shores of the DuPage River located about ¼ of a mile east of Route 59 on Black Road. This preserve is over 300 acres of paved and natural trails that hug the ridge over looking the DuPage River. Visitors can bike, hike, and exercise their dogs, on leash, throughout the park for free. Dog owners who want to let their dogs off leash, must used the designated seven acres park located east of the first park entrance. This well maintained park offers dogs various places to explore, including a wooded and marsh areas.

Whalon Lake Dog Park is located on Royce Road, just west of Route 53 in Naperville. Dedicated in 2008, this park is a recent addition to the dog park system and is designed with a small dog enclosure for dogs under 35 pounds. This dog park is nice for puppy owners, since the smaller dogs have their own enclosure, and are protected from the older dogs that used the larger 8-acre enclosure.

For dog owners on a budget, a free access dog park that has a great-enclosed area is located at the Oaks Van Horn Park located on the Frontage Road of Highway 30 in Plainfield. Dog owners must bring their own bags for waste disposal and the grounds are not maintained to the levels of Hammel Wood or Whalon Lake dog parks. Still for a fun romp and a nice place that also has a park where the kids can play, it worth the time.

References:

Forest Preserve District of Will County

Cesar Millan

Plainfield Park District