Treat your four-legged friend to some great exercise with a trip to one of St. Charles dog parks.
The St. Charles Park District provides three locations in town for pups to play. Each one features a different experience and provides plenty of room for you and your pooch to take a break from your regular routine, enjoy some fresh air and socialize with others – dogs and people. In the dog parks, Fido is free of the leash and allowed to romp and run with fellow companions while owners can relax and watch their best friend have a good time.
At James O. Breen Community Park, there’s 2.56 acres of fenced in fun and its open late until 10 p.m. daily. With dog-friendly equipment, activity stations and a doggy water fountain, your pup will find plenty to enjoy at this park. A double-gated security entrance on the east side of the park near the basketball courts provides extra safety when entering and exiting the facility. In winter months, visitors are encouraged to use the northeast entry gate.
The East Side Sports Complex dog park is almost an acre with interactive play features, a separate area for smaller dogs and access to a pond for those water-loving breeds. Bring your dog to play from 9 a.m. to dusk daily.
River Bend Community Park also has a play space for dogs. This .75-acre dog park includes a doggy water fountain and double dated security entrance. It is open 9 am. to dusk daily.
Remember dog parks are open weather and conditions permitting all year long. The parks are a safe, clean place to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. It’s a good idea to pack a towel to clean any muddy paws before returning to the car.
Dogs must be supervised at all times, be current on vaccinations and have a current rabies tag visible. Dog owners are responsible for their pets during their visit and must clean up after pets. Bringing a waste bag is advisable. If your dog loves to dig, you’ll need to fill in any holes created at the park. Do not bring food into the dog parks. Dogs must be leashed while traveling to and from the parking lot to the dog parks.
The St. Charles Park District knows dogs are truly a part of the family. To honor those pets that have past, visit the Timeless Tags Dog Memorial at Delnor Woods Park. Pet owners may bring an ID tag memorializing a beloved pet to place on the sculpture for free and honor those who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge. This unique sculpture and memorial is a place to celebrate the role pets play in our lives and to honor their memory. For details on purchasing a bronze plaque on the sculpture pedestal, visit stcparkfoundation.org/dog-memorial.