The Skokie Park District board of commissioners approved an amendment to the district’s animal and pet ordinance at their monthly meeting last night, immediately allowing dogs on leashes on Skokie Park District property, with some restrictions.
The process started in January, led by a group of citizens who appeared at board meetings and a public hearing to make their case for change. In March, the board directed staff to write a new proposed ordinance, which then went to citizens for suggestions. Last night, the amended ordinance was passed by a 5-0 vote of the commissioners.
The Skokie Park District board would like to thank all residents and staff who worked to implement the changes.
Highlights of the new ordinance and its restrictions allowing dogs on leashes in parks include:
- Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and have a current rabies inoculation.
- Owners are responsible for removing any excrement deposited by their dog.
- All dogs shall be restrained by a leash that is no longer than eight feet in length, with dog owners maintaining physical control of their dogs at all times. Retractable leashes and electronic leashes are prohibited.
- Restricted areas, facilities and parks include:
- District facilities (except during district-approved dog related classes)
- Weber Park Golf Course
- Tot Learning Center grounds
- Emily Oaks Nature Center grounds
- Skokie Sport Park grounds (with the exception of Sports Park East and its parking lot)
- Parks under half an acre in size, including: Carol, Chippewa, Menominee, Pawnee, and Playtime Parks, as well as Kawaga Gardens.
- The following parks during school hours when children are present: McNally, Schack, Sequoya and Timber Ridge Parks.
- Swimming pools and spray grounds
- Outdoor fitness equipment areas
- Sand volleyball courts
- Garden Plots
- Playgrounds & tot lots
- Picnic shelters (except at permitted picnics)
- Tennis, basketball, pickleball, futsal, and petanque courts
- Sports fields during play (leashed dogs are allowed on the sidelines)
- Summer camp sites when campers are present
Click here to view the revised ordinance in its entirety. Park signage regarding dogs will be updated throughout the district as time allows.
Please contact Michelle Tuft at (847) 929-7183 with any questions regarding the new ordinance.