Pawsitive Step For Manhattan Dog Park, Village Partners With Parks

MANHATTAN, IL — A Manhattan dog park is closer to happening, after trustees on Tuesday signed off on a partnership with the park district.

Manhattan's Village Board voted unanimously in favor of the intergovernmental agreement with the Manhattan Park District, a necessary step toward creating the park on Metra's property, 15601 W. Sweedler Rd.

The dog park—estimated to cost $135,000—will be built on the Metra property, with funding expected to come from private donations, grants and contributions from the Village, according to Village documents. Donations totaling $70,000 have already been made by Earthrise Energy and a private donor, Mayor Mike Adrieansen said.

“We’e been looking for a location for a dog park for several years," Adrieansen said. "It makes sense at the Metra lot. There’s parking, there’s lights, the Wauponsee Trail, Central Park. So I think this is a good partnership between the park district and the Village."

Of some concern for trustees was parking, and how those using the dog park would be delineated from Metra commuters. Adrieansen noted there is limited ridership currently, and that trend is not expected to change. Police Chief Ryan Gulli said that commuter cars usually don't exceed 16 each day, and they're parked earlier in the day. Others who use the lot—such as those using Wauponsee Trail—park closer to where the dog park will be located and are there for shorter periods of time.

"It’s a guess, it’s not for certain," Gulli said. "That’s usually the way it’s been working. They’re using the trail, we know not to cite them."

Trustee Justin Young suggested that when dog park members register for the park, they also register their license plates, as well.

Adrieansen said the park district will handle registration. Park district officials are still in the process of finalizing its agreement with Metra. Adrieansen estimates that will be complete in mid-August.

Construction is anticipated to begin later this year.

"This will be done later this year, hopefully," Adrieansen said.