Community Corner
Off-Leash Park's Grand Opening Means Dogs Get a Free Pass
Cook County and Oak Forest officials will be on hand for Saturday's ribbon-cutting ceremony. The public will be able to use the permit-only park for free during this event. Will you and your dog be checking it out?
Oak Forest and Cook County Forest Preserve officials will cut the ribbon on the park, which was created after the interest generated by city residents thanks to PetSafe's Bark for a Park contest. Oak Forest came in second, but the forest preserve worked with the city and the Bark for a Park committee to create the area near 160th Street and Oak Park Avenue.
The 7-acre, off-leash park, which is run by the forest preserve district, is one of only two such areas in Cook County, and it features two separate areas for large and small dogs. Dog owners must have a permit to use the park, and forest preserve charges $50 per dog for county residents $100 per dog for non-residents. Permits will be sold with a $15 discount during Saturday's grand opening. Go to the forest preserve district's website for an application.
The permit requirement has upset some residents, who feel the park should be free or at least cost less to use than the current rates.
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Bremen Grove Off-Leash Dog Area Grand Opening
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22. The ribbon-cutting and presentation will be at 9 a.m. The park will be open to the public for free for the entire time.Where: 16061 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
Activities: Raffles and other giveaways will be run during the opening. Shelters and other animal organizations also will be attending, including Lulu's Locker Rescue, As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue and PAWS of Tinley Park, which will microchip dogs at the park.
More Info: Go to the forest preserve district's website.
YOUR TURN: Will you and your dog be checking out the park for free? Do you think you'll buy a permit for it? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
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