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Trustee proposes dog park at Rotary Park; trustees raise flooding and proximity concerns
Summary
Trustee Cozart proposed converting part of Rotary Park into a fenced dog park, outlining low-cost options and sponsorship revenue; trustees raised concerns about drainage, proximity to residences and long-term maintenance; no vote was taken and advocates were invited to form a study committee.
A Trustee-led proposal to establish a dog park at Rotary Park drew mixed reaction at the March 10 Villa Park meeting, with supporters citing neighborhood amenity and potential sponsorship revenue and some trustees warning the chosen location may be a flood-retention area too close to residences.
Trustee Cozart presented a preliminary plan that would use existing park amenities (parking, a gazebo and restrooms) to limit initial costs. The concept included a fenced, double-gated enclosure with separate small- and large-dog areas, shade structures, water hookups and paid memberships or banner sponsorships to support maintenance. Cozart suggested the project could be largely funded by private sponsorships and modest user fees.
"Every dog park that I've ever been to has charged a fee," Cozart said. He invited residents to join a volunteer committee to develop a cost estimate and sponsorship plan and provided his trustee email for those interested.
Trustee Alfano and Trustee Coomar raised practical concerns. Alfano, who lives near Rotary Park, said the site functions as a retention area and credited past changes for reducing street flooding; she said the park's drainage history makes it a difficult sell for a facility that would benefit from well-drained surfaces. Coomar suggested the village consider partnering with neighboring communities or contracting with nearby Elmhurst if a new park proves costly; Elmhurst has pursued a larger dog-park project with grant funding, Coomar said.
Other trustees expressed support for the idea in principle and encouraged a measured approach. Manager Harling said a small volunteer committee could prepare estimates and identify funding and location alternatives to bring back to the board. No binding action was taken; trustees asked staff and volunteers to study site alternatives, drainage impacts and cost estimates and to return with a proposal.
speakers:[{"name":"Trustee Cozart","role_title":"Trustee","affiliation_type":"government"},{"name":"Trustee Alfano","role_title":"Trustee","affiliation_type":"government"},{"name":"Trustee Coomar","role_title":"Trustee","affiliation_type":"government"},{"name":"Manager Harling","role_title":"Village Manager","affiliation_type":"government"}]
