Dogs in the Parks: Help Your Pet Be a Good Guest

Naperville Park District’s trails and neighborhood parks are favorite destinations for walking dogs. To ensure that the parks and trails remain safe, clean, well-cared for and welcoming for everyone, the Park District is launching an information campaign this summer to remind pet owners of the rules for dogs and other pets in the parks.

The following rules apply to all locations within Naperville Park District:

• Keep dogs leashed at all times when visiting a park or walking along a trail.
• Do not allow your dog to run or roam freely in parks, including on ballfields, synthetic turf and elsewhere. The Park District does not operate any dog parks. However, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the Forest Preserve District of Will County do have several dog parks in the Naperville area. Please visit their websites for locations and details.
• Pick up after your pet every time. Pet excrement can be harmful to people and the environment. As explained by the Lower DuPage River Watershed Coalition, dog waste is full of nutrients that contribute to excessive algae growth in local ponds, lakes and streams. It also contains bacteria, viruses and other pathogens like roundworms that can be transmitted to humans and other wildlife. If left to decompose in the grass, those nutrients and pathogens can be washed into local waterways during a rain fall and contribute to local water quality degradation.
• If you forgot to bring a waste container, please use one of our Mutt Mitts that are available in the following park locations:

Proper pet handling is addressed in the Park District’s Ordinance #641 under Section 2.05: Animals and Pets. Questions can be directed to the Park District at 630-848-5000 or via email at info@napervilleparks.org.