Pooches may get their own park in Countryside

By Steve Metsch 

The city of Countryside may be going to the dogs.

At a city council meeting earlier this year, Mayor Sean McDermott said he was interested in opening a dog park in Countryside.

“I’ve heard a number of residents bring it up during the campaign,” McDermott said.

“I’d like to ask the infrastructure committee chairman to add this to your discussion, the possibility of creating a dog park,” McDermott said

Ald. Mark Benson (3rd) said the topic would be discussed by the committee.

One possible site is in a portion of City Park behind the soccer field, McDermott said. Another possible location would be on vacant land on the west side of Best Buy, he said.

Right now, dogs are not allowed in city parks except during the winter, he said.

Benson said the city has heard requests from dog adoption agencies and dog trainers “to have an open area to do dog training, getting multiple dogs together at the same time.”

A city-owned dog park could provide that, he said.

“We can make the residents happy. Give them a place to let their dogs to run around. It’s a great idea,” Benson said.

Ald. John Von Drasek (2nd) said he had heard about the need for a dog park “so many times” from residents.