HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 12-O-26 Amending City Code Title 7, Chapter 10, Section 13, Regulations of Dog Park (1) (1)
2/09/2026
12-O-26
AN ORDINANCE
Amending Title 7, Chapter 10, Section 13 “Regulations of Dog Park” of
the City Code
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston Dog Park has certain rules and
regulations which are different from general city parks and dog beaches; and
WHEREAS, the Dog Park rules and regulations were not previously
incorporated into the City Code; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Department
(CCARC) regulates off-leash dog parks and beaches throughout the County and
requires municipalities to establish rules for these sites, and
WHEREAS, the Grey Park Dog Park is anticipated to open in the City of
Evanston in 2026, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Evanston (the “City”)
determined that it is in the best interest of the City to incorporate these rules and
regulations and update the City Code to reflect the practices at the forthcoming Dog
Park.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1: City Code Title 7, Chapter 10, Section 13 “Regulations of Dog
Park” of the Evanston City Code of 2012, as amended, is hereby amended to read as
follows:
7-10-13. - REGULATIONS OF DOG PARK.
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1. The Dog Park is a designated off-leash area, located on the west side of Grey
Park.
2. The Dog Park will open daily, weather permitting, and will remain open until
inclement weather prohibits staff to safely maintain access.
3. The dog park hours are 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. The City Manager or their designee
may open or close the Dog Park.
4. Annual passes are valid March 1 through February 28 of the following year.
5. All dogs must have a season pass.
6. Dog Park passes are non-transferable. Valid pass holders are prohibited from
lending, sharing, or supplying passes and/or gate codes to unauthorized
persons. Anyone caught allowing a non-permitted holder/dog access to the Dog
Park will have their pass revoked.
7. Owners/handlers must display their dog’s season pass at all times while using
the Dog Park. Staff reserves the right to inspect dog passes or refuse entry if a
pass cannot be produced. Providing photos of a dog park pass is not an
acceptable replacement for the requirement to have a valid pass in the owner’s
possession.
8. Owners/handlers will be responsible for closing all gates as they enter and
exit.
9. Dogs may be released from their leashes only when they enter the fenced
area.
10. Dog owners/handlers are required to pick up dog feces and dispose of it in
the waste receptacles.
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11. No more than two (2) dogs per person will be allowed on any one visit.
12. Dog owners/handlers must be at least 14 years old.
13. Owners/handlers must be in voice control of their dog(s), have visual contact
with their dog(s), keep their dog’s leash with them, and be present in the dog
park with their dog(s) at all times.
14. Owners/handlers are liable for any damage or injury that occurs as a result of
their dog(s) to another dog(s), person, or property. This means owners are
legally and financially responsible for their dog’s behavior.
15. Dogs who exhibit aggressive behavior may lose access privileges to the Dog
Park.
16. Cook County Animal & Rabies Control Ordinance requires that all dogs using
the Dog Park in off-leash areas have current vaccinations or titers (antibodies) for
Rabies, Distemper (CFV), Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus-2), Para-influenza
(CPIV), Parvovirus (CPV), Leptospirosis, Bordetella (kennel cough), and a
negative fecal test by a veterinarian’s office for internal parasites, within the last
year. Written proof is required before a Dog Park pass is issued by the City of
Evanston.
17. Dogs that are ill are not allowed in the Dog Park.
18. Female dogs in heat are not allowed in the Dog Park. All dogs 12 months and
older must be spayed or neutered.
19. Puppies under 4 months of age are not allowed.
20. All pinch, choke, spike, and electronic collars must be removed from dogs
prior to entering the dog park. No leashes over six feet (6’) in length allowed.
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21. By city ordinance, alcohol is not allowed in any City park; this includes the
Dog Park.
22. Human food, glass containers, and rawhide chews are prohibited.
23. Individuals are permitted to bring their own chairs; however, they must be
removed from the park after each use. Staff reserves the right to remove chairs.
24. Persons who are visually impaired and other domesticated animals specially
trained to assist persons with disabilities are excluded from the prohibitions of
this section when they are accompanying persons with disabilities for purposes
of providing such assistance.
SECTION 3: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 4: If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any
person or circumstance is ruled unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect other provisions or applications of this ordinance that can be given effect
without the invalid application or provision, and each invalid provision or invalid
application of this ordinance is severable.
SECTION 5: The findings and recitals contained herein are declared to be prima
facie evidence of the law of the City and shall be received in evidence as provided by
the Illinois Compiled Statutes and the courts of the State of Illinois.
SECTION 6: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
passage, approval, and publication in the manner provided by law.
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Introduced: _________________, 2026
Adopted: ___________________, 2026
Attest:
_______________________________
Stephanie Mendoza, City Clerk
12-O-26
Approved:
__________________________, 2026
_______________________________
Daniel Biss, Mayor
Approved as to form:
______________________________
Alexandra B. Ruggie, Corporation Counsel
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February 23
February 9