Small Dogs Will Finally Get A Place Play At Hammel Woods

SHOREWOOD, IL - Why should big dogs get to have all the fun? On Thursday, the Forest Preserve of Will County decided that should not be the case, approving plans to expand the Hammel Woods Dog Park. Construction on the more than $200,000 project is set to start in September. Work is tentatively set for completion next July.

The new and improved Hammel Woods Dog Park will include an additional 2.3 acre dog play area geared for dogs that weigh 35 pounds or less. The new enclosed area at the DuPage River Access will be near the existing dog park, which encompasses 8.5 acres. At Thursday's meeting, the Forest Preserve awarded the construction project of $206,518 to Frank Burla & Sons Builders Inc. of Channahon.

To defray some of the costs for the six-figure project, the Friends of the Forest Preserve District, the district's non-profit fund-raising foundation, is collecting donations. One major fund-raising event, called "Yappy Hour," is set to take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Hammel Woods - DuPage River Access.

Forest Preserve officials emphasized that access to the preserve and the existing Hammel Woods Dog Park won't be affected by any of the upcoming construction work.

Image via Forest Preserve District of Will County