Tinley Park Dog Park Opening Delayed Again

The opening of a dog park in Tinley Park has again been postponed a second time, as officials remain concerned over the spreading of a canine flu.

Canine Campus, located at 84th Avenue and Nielsen Drive, will debut June 17 at 6 p.m.—more than a month after its original planned opening of May 2.

“For the safety of our four-legged friends, it was decided to postpone opening the park since we haven’t officially opened for operation yet, and in order to allow more time for the spread of the dog flu virus to dissipate before we start selling memberships and open the gates for the first time,” said the Director of the Park District John Curran, when the opening was delayed the first time, to May 30.

Canine Influenza (dog flu) is a respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus that only has been reported to affect dogs. It can be spread from dog-to-dog contact, as well as by moving objects and materials from infected and uninfected dogs. There is a vaccination available for uninfected dogs, however, once a dog becomes infected the treatment is almost solely supportive care. To date, there is no evidence of risk to humans from this virus.

The canine flu tore through Tinley Park P.A.W.S animal shelter, sickening more than 30 animals and killing one (a 3-year-old chihuahua named Johnny Suede). The animals have since been diagnosed as flu-free, and the shelter re-opened last weekend.

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