BATAVIA – Batavia Park District has dropped the admission fee to its Bark Park.
"We want people to enjoy the Bark Park the same as they would enjoy any of our other parks," said Jeff Clark, the park district's director of leisure services.
Residents last year paid $20 for a seasonal permit to use the Bark Park, located in the West Main Community Park at 40W101 W. Main St. Those who lived outside of Batavia and the park district boundaries paid $30.
This is the third season for the Bark Park, which opened in spring 2008. At the time it opened, the district had charged $40 for residents.
The Bark Park will open for the season on April 1.
Clark said after evaluating the past two seasons and looking at similar facilities in the area, staff made the decision to open up the Bark Park for free.
The Kane County Forest Preserve District and St. Charles Park District do not charge for the use of their off-leash dog areas and dog parks.
Patrons also will no longer have to show proof of vaccinations for their dogs or wear a permit to enter the Bark Park. The security gates to the park will be removed.
The park district also plans to offer programs and events at the Bark Park in the future.
"People have expressed an interest in having events such as birthday parties or play dates at the Bark Park," Clark said.
More information about the Bark Park is available by calling the Batavia Park District at 630-879-5235.
