Berwyn Park District Boasts City's First Off Leash Dog Park

Dogs were born to run free. While most pet dogs spend lots of time alone, napping and eating food provided by their owners, their energy levels are the same as when dogs spent their days hunting, scavenging and engaging in complex social interaction. The modern dog can become bored, overweight and have undeveloped social skills. After Berwyn residents asked for space to be carved out for local dogs, the Berwyn Park District converted the existing Karban Park into the City of Berwyn’s first off leash dog park. Karban Park is located at 3430 34th Street on the alley north of Ogden Avenue between East Avenue and Gunderson Avenue. A ribbon cutting was held on May 20 in partnership with the City of Berwyn and the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC).

In the City of Berwyn, local ordinances do not allow dogs to be taken into area parks in order to avoid unwanted encounters between unleashed dogs and other park users. In February 2011, residents rounded up over 200 signatures on a petition asking either for a dog-friendly park to be established or for the ordinance to be amended to allow dogs into existing parks. The Berwyn Park District Board of Commissioners prioritized this request and along with staff began the process of finding a home for a dog park that would allow residents to exercise and socialize their dogs in a safe, accessible place.

Through the support of the City of Berwyn and the BDC, the Berwyn Park District received Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the redevelopment of the 9,800 square foot underutilized green space into a special use dog park. The project’s scope of work included bringing electrical and plumbing to the park and adding fencing. Mayor Robert J. Lovero stated, “Hats off to the Berwyn Park District because without their foresight, this great new amenity for our residents would not be here.” Jon Fey, BDC Board President, added, “This park is a great addition to Berwyn. Having a place for dogs to run freely and safely helps promote responsible dog ownership and enhances our city.”

The natural grass park features shade trees, picnic tables, waste containers, and a water fountain. Doggie waste bags are provided in the park as well. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. Entry to the park is restricted to residents who have registered with and obtained a permit from the Berwyn Park District. Permit applications can be obtained at Freedom Park Administrative Office at 3701 S. Scoville Avenue or online. Permits are not currently available to non-residents. Additionally, pet owners can immortalize a beloved pet by purchasing a personalized brick that will be installed at the park.

Jeff Janda, Berwyn Park District Executive Director, stated, “Dogs parks are very popular and are the fastest growing segment of city parks. The Berwyn Park District wanted to be part of this trend.” Berwyn Park District Board President Frank Amaro, continued, “This is just another way that we are showing that the City, a park district, a business development organization, and the community are working together to make things happen in Berwyn. We’re on a roll.”

About the Berwyn Park District
The Berwyn Park District is a separate municipal governing agency established for the purpose of providing parks, facilities and recreational programs for the residents of Berwyn. For more information, call (708) 788-1701 or visit http://www.berwynparks.org.

About the Berwyn Development Corporation
The BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BDC) is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides economic development and Chamber of Commerce services to all segments of the Berwyn community. The BDC is a not-for-profit membership organization that serves over 300 business and individual members. The BDC focuses its efforts on those activities that will improve the overall climate for local businesses and residents, in addition to encouraging the development of new commercial venues and employment opportunities. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and events that promote Berwyn businesses and the community. For more information, visit http://www.berwyn.net or follow the BDC at facebook.com/BDCorp and twitter.com/bdc_berwyn.