Village of Orland Park Dog Park Meeting

The Village of Orland Park needs the public’s help in its second quest to win PetSafe’s “Bark for Your Park Dog Park Contest.” Orland Park is vying for the $100,000 prize to build a dog park in its Centennial Park at 15600 West Avenue. The village has four acres earmarked for frolicking canines with separate areas for large and small dogs.

An informational meeting will be held Thursday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue.

“Last year, we had a great group of employees and volunteers who worked very hard on Orland Park’s entry,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The village was among the handful of national finalists and came in seventh nationwide,” the mayor said, adding “We’re hoping even more people come forward this year to help Orland Park win.” 

McLaughlin participated in the group’s 2011 video entry touting the many reasons why Orland Park needs a dog park.

“We’ve been talking about a dog park for years and the village has four acres in Centennial Park earmarked for the park,” the mayor said. A dog park is currently slated for consideration in the village’s Capital Improvement Plan for the year 2013.

The village’s plans call for separate areas for big dogs and little dogs with each having benches, drinking fountains, agility equipment and shaded areas.

“Centennial Park was recommended because of its distance from residential areas, proximity to other park amenities, including the walking trails and because the village has land available there,” said Trustee Patricia Gira, chair of the village’s Parks and Recreation Committee.

According to the Cook County Department of Animal Control, there are nearly 7000 dogs registered to Orland Park addresses in the 60462 and 60467 zip codes.

PetSafe will begin accepting nominations May 1, 2012. Contest details can be found at http://www.petsafe.net/barkforyourpark.