Canines had cause to celebrate Friday in Evergreen Park as Happy Bark Dog Park marked its one-year anniversary.
Dog and their families were invited for doggie treats and canine social time from 6 to 8 p.m. at the facility at 50-Acre Park at 91st Street and Rockwell Avenue.
Happy Bark includes three parks in one: an area for dogs who weigh less than 30 pounds, a larger yard for dogs of more than 30 pounds, and a training and agility area for dogs who are in obedience training with their owners. Each yard is secured so pets cannot run out into a street.
“The open space and the combination of the three different parks really makes our dog park unique,” Evergreen Park Mayor Jim Sexton said. “This way dogs can mingle with other dogs of their own size.”
“I love the fact that the park is divided by size,” said George Peso, chairman of the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals. “The smaller dogs can socialize with each other and vice versa.”
Peso attended the event with his wife, Debbie, and his two dogs, Daisy, a 12-year-old rat terrier, and Dusty, a 9-year-old teacup Yorkie.
For new dog owners interested in getting a dog park membership, the event offered an opportunity to check out the park.
“This is the first time we’ve visited the park,” said Teren Patla, 23, of Evergreen Park, who recently adopted a 2-year-old Maltese terrier named Pucha. “I’m really happy at the way this is all put together, and this is a great way for me to socialize my new dog.”
Doggie goody bags filled with treats and dog cake also were available, and donation boxes were set up for dog supplies to be delivered to the Animal Welfare League of Chicago Ridge.
“Not only is this a nice occasion, but it is a really good way to get all of the dogs in the neighborhood together,” said volunteer Camryn Michalak, 16, of Evergreen Park.
Residents had positive reviews.
“I was one of the first people to sign up when the dog park first opened,” Mary Carroll, of Evergreen Park, said. “I absolutely love this dog park.”
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Entry is via an electronic keychain fob sold at Evergreen Park Village Hall. The cost for membership for residents is $20 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog. Pets must be registered in the village. There is a waiting list for nonresidents and a $150 charge per dog once admitted into the park.
Dogs must be at least 4 months old to enter the park and must have a current rabies vaccination tag and number, as required by state law. About 400 dogs are registered.
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The park opened in August of 2014 but was closed for about four weeks earlier this year after a canine flu outbreak. Since then, attendance has been light, and village officials are assuming that is because people are understandably hesitant about bring their dogs to socialize with others, according to Sexton.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.