Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area

Thank you for your interest in the Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area at Larsen Nature Preserve. The Waukegan Park District recognizes dog owners as legitimate park users. The Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area is a place that offers an off-leash play area in a park setting. It provides a source of open space, fresh air and recreation for exercise and social interaction. Amenities at the Callahan-Franklin Dog Exercise Area include parking, benches, shade, fencing, waste bags, waste container and doggie drinking fountain.

Regulations

Restrictions (prohibited)

• Open from sunrise to sunset.

• Owners are responsible for controlling their dogs.

• Please close gate when entering or leaving site.

• Please leash pets outside exercise area.

• Bicycles

• Alcoholic beverages

• Horses

• Firearms

• Game animals

Etiquette

Always cleanup after your dog. We provide a Dogi-Pot bag dispenser and waste container for your convenience.
Always keep your eyes on your dog. Mischief can happen quickly.
Never leave your dog unattended.
Make sure your dog is current on its shots and has a valid license.
Dogs younger than four months won't have all the necessary inoculations that allow them to play safely with other animals, so please avoid bringing them to the dog exercise area.
Avoid bringing a female dog in season. Spayed/neutered animals are recommended.
Avoid bringing more than three dogs. It subjects the park to overuse, and if they're not your dogs, you may not have full control over them.
Keep your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area. This is not just respectful and safe to other park users, it's also safer for your dog.
If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash it and leave immediately.
If you must bring children to the park, supervise them closely.
Avoid smoking or eating while at the exercise area. Cigarette butts and food wrappers are tempting and bad treats for dogs.

The Benefits

Provides a safe environment for dogs and owners to socialize and exercise.
Promotes responsible pet ownership.
Enables dogs to legally run off-leash in a public setting.
Provides a tool for realistic enforcement of dog control laws.
Promotes public health and safety.
Provides an accessible place for elderly and disabled dog owners to exercise their pets.
Provides a great place to meet and socialize with friends and neighbors.