Hinsdale May Lift Dog Ban In Local Parks

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale is considering allowing leashed dogs in most areas of local parks.

For several years, the village has let people take their dogs off leash during designated hours in areas of Katherine Legge Memorial Park, or KLM.

In 2024, the village issued 25 citations at KLM for dog rule violations. Most of the recipients were nonresidents, officials said. Burr Ridge borders the park's south and east sides.

Under the proposed new rules, Hinsdale would institute an annual permit system for dog owners to have their pets go off a leash at KLM Park. Permits would be free for Hinsdale residents and cost nonresidents $50 a year.

To get permits, dog owners would be required to do such things as give the village proof of current vaccinations.

The village has proposed signs for parks about the new rules for dogs.

At Tuesday's Village Board meeting, Trustee Neale Byrnes said the signs are "over the top." The parks, he said, may become "sign happy" like downtown Hinsdale.

"It strikes me as draconian that we have all this stuff on here," he said. "If you take your dog out for a walk, which is usually an enjoyable activity, unless it's 14 degrees out, I'd better not have too much fun because it's stated here I better be careful."

Trustee Alexis Braden suggested the signs be temporary, getting the word out about the new rules.

Village staffers said they planned to replace the "no dogs" signs with the new ones.

The Village Board is expected to vote on the rules at a later meeting.