'Incredibly Bittersweet': Manhattan Dog Park Named After Beloved Vet Set To Open

MANHATTAN, IL — A long-dreamt of addition to Manhattan—and a nod to a beloved Manhattan man and devoted veterinarian—is set to open Monday, after years of planning and months of work.

The sign at Manhattan's new dog park beckons to the canine kind just as the vet it's named for would at his office—Dr. Scott Dog Park.

The 1.5-acre park at 15601 Sweedler Road in Manhattan is named in tribute to the late Dr. Scott Becker, a veterinarian known for his compassion and kindness toward both the four-legged kind and their humans.

Set to open July 14, the multi-partner project is the result of intergovernmental cooperation and public-private partnerships, with the Village, Manhattan Park District, Metra, and sponsors working together to build and outfit the town's newest amenity.

In an effort to honor him, Becker's widow Kate Gooding contributed $20,000 raised after his passing to the park's creation. An Orland Park native, Becker died suddenly in 2020 at 40 years old. The park keeps his legacy alive, Gooding said.

"He always went above and beyond," she told Patch previously, of Becker's work as a veterinarian. "He was a soft, tender soul."

The two had once dreamed of opening a dog rescue some day, but as she faced the new reality of being a sole provider, that idea seemed just out of reach. Instead, in 2023 she contacted Village Trustee Justin Young to inquire about helping move along discussion and planning of a dog park in town.

Becker was raised in Orland Park and went on to attend veterinary school at the University of Illinois. For years, he worked at Bremen Animal Hospital in Tinley Park, alongside his father, who owned the practice. His compassion—for animals and their human counterparts—shone through in each interaction, Gooding said. Late nights at the office were spent giving each patient and their family his all, and utmost care.

"Taking care of pets, that's someone’s loved one—he took that very seriously," Gooding said. "He exhausted all options to try to do the best thing for his patients and clients."

He would give so much of himself—professionally, and sometimes monetarily—to help his patients and their owners

"He was truly the best that I’ve ever met in my whole life," she said. "The kindest, sweetest soul. For his clients who couldn’t afford something, he’d take money out of his own pocket. "

Gooding was born and raised in Manhattan, "and I never left," she said, and the naming forever links her love for her hometown, with Scott's legacy and love for animals.

"I’ve been here for 37 years," she said. "It's something nice to memorialize Scott, and also something to give back to the community that I was born and raised in."

The name was unveiled during a December 2024 ceremony at the site. Excitement has grown with each step of the park completed.

"Seeing Dr. Scott Park come to life is incredibly bittersweet," Gooding said. "We’re so grateful to honor Scott through something that gives back to the community we love. This park is more than a place for dogs—it’s a symbol of love, loss, and the beauty that can grow from it."

The Village, the Park District and Metra agreed to a long-term land lease for the park, at the station off Sweedler Road. The Village was responsible for constructing the park, with the park district managing operations and membership. Private donations and sponsorships have made the park project possible. Earthrise Energy donated $50,000, and Girl Scout Troop 75599 donated $500 for the park.

The park features separate, fenced areas for large and small dogs, making it a safe and comfortable environment for dogs of all sizes. It includes benches, shade structures, and water stations for drinking and washing off pets to ensure both pets and their humans are happy and comfortable.

Grand Prairie Animal Hospital donated a water station and two pet waste stations, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce donated a second water station, and Dynasty Utility Services donated approximately $7,000 in infrastructure services.

"I’m excited to see this dog park become a reality," Mayor Mike Adrieansen said. "It’s an idea I’ve had for several years, and thanks to a great partnership with the Manhattan Park District and Metra, along with the support of our generous sponsors, we were able to bring it to life. The Village handled the installation, and the Park District will now take over operations and maintenance. This is a great addition to our community.”

“Not only is the dog park a wonderful example of intergovernmental cooperation and public-private partnerships, but it is also a great addition to the overall park system within the Manhattan Park District," said Manhattan Park District Executive Director Jay Kelly. "We are a proud partner of Dr. Scott Park and are happy that we can provide the ongoing operational support of the park to the community.”

Dog park memberships will be managed through the Manhattan Park District. Dogs are required to be fully immunized, dewormed, and licensed. Memberships can be purchased online.

Memberships for 2025 are prorated to $20, and will expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Annual fees then are first member, $40 for resident, $50 for non-resident. If a member has more than two dogs to bring, it's $30 per resident dog $40 per non-resident dog. Those who become members will also need to download the MPD App to unlock the gate.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 14, will feature vendors and activities for pups and their people, to include:

• Tonie’s Treats: Handmade treats, doggie ice cream, pupsicles & stylish pup wearables
• Bentley’s Pet Stuff (Frankfort): Free samples, goodie bags, and a pawsome raffle
• Feel So Good Canine Massage: Learn about canine massage & enter to win a free session
• Bosco’s All-Natural Dog & Cat Treats: Healthy treats, wellness boosters, and pet gifts galore
• Mobile MakeROVERS: Free nail trims & raffle for a full grooming session
• Mel’s Pet Sitting Services: Pet care info, free poop bags & a PET CAM raffle
• Cache Creek Rescue: Meet adoptable dogs & support rescue efforts through raffles
• Kona Ice & Tom’s Coffee Truck: Cool treats for you and $1 pup cups for your dog, with half of the pup cup proceeds going back to Cache Creek!
• Tie-Dye Station: Create a custom bandana for your pup with the Manhattan Park District
• Swag Bags & Freebies: Including a FREE pup cup coupon from the Village for Kona Ice or Tom’s Coffee!