Frankfort's Operation Playground Foundation Gives $25K Donation To Support Dog Park Renovation

FRANKFORT, IL — Frankfort's Operation Playground Foundation presented the Frankfort Park District with a donation of $25,000 at its April Board meeting, the park district shared in a news release.

This contribution, along with the $30,000 donated by the Foundation in 2025, will support the relocation and renovation of the Bark Park.

Operation Playground Foundation was established in 2000, and its first project was the construction of Fort Frankfort. The Foundation’s second major project was the development of Frankfort Bark Park, a three-acre dog park that opened in May 2007.

Now, over time, the park district said the dog park's fencing and shade structures have started to deteriorate and are in need of replacement. The park district recently received $7.5 million in DCEO grant funding from the State of Illinois to support capital improvements.

As part of this investment, the Park District Board and staff said it updated the Commissioners Park master plan, which includes the addition of a secondary entrance that will impact the current Bark Park location.

Following a comprehensive review of available parking spaces, Bark Park will be relocated to Michelle Bingham Park, the park district said. The proposed location will not impact the existing t-ball field or playground and offers adequate parking.

Feedback from Bark Park members also indicated that a location near the Old Plank Trail would increase usage and accessibility, according to the park district.

Construction should start this fall.