Oak Forest Dogs Wash Up for Proposed Dog Park

More than 300 dogs and their owners came out Saturday for a dog park fundraiser in , where breeds big and small enjoyed an afternoon of baths, biscuits and pooch pedicures.

Residents—including Mayor Hank Kuspa and Ald. Laura Clemons (1st Ward), who proposed the dog park in late June—lined the garage on 15440 S Central Ave. Baths were $10 per dog, and nail clippings were $5.

“They're thrilled and very supportive,” Clemons said of the residents who came out. “They're doing whatever they can to support the cause.”

The turnout was better than expected. Clemons and volunteers collected more than $2,000 in donations from the fundraiser, making Saturday's the first big deposit for the proposed $10,000 dog park, which could have benches, doggy bag stations and a water fountain or two.

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“I don't know that much about dog psychology,” Kuspa kidded as he waited in line with his toddler grandson and their dogs. “This is another effort to create a positive relationship between neighbors.

“My compliments go out to the organizers,” he added.

If built, the two-acre dog park at 158th Street and Central Avenue will have a fence running from a gated north entrance, bordering a public skate park, to a gated south entrance, bordering the back entrance of grocery. Several other locations are also being considered for the park, Clemons said.

Oak Forest resident Tony Wrenn said his English bulldog, Big Mac, is happiest when he's outside, playing with other dogs.

“He's great with other dogs,” Wrenn said of his bulldog. “He enjoys being around them. It's better than little kids pulling on his ears all day.”

Jason Vodnik, an officer with the K9 unit, couldn't agree more.

“Socializing your dogs with other animals is beneficial to their health,” Vodnik said. “People that have social dogs, it's no different than humans socializing.”

Depending on how much funding the community can raise from residents and sponsors, Clemons said at a previous meeting, it could take a day, a week or six months to begin construction for the new park.

Fall Fundraisers

The following dog park fundraising events are scheduled for the fall:

Saturday, Oct. 8

Community Expo
Where: Oak Forest High School, 15201 S. Central Ave.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Program: Community Day Expo for Oak Forest businesses

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Pasta for Pups
Where: Oak Forest Community Center, 155th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: Tickets are $10 per person
Program: Pasta for Pups, an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner for attendees