August 2016 – SWIMMING WITH THE DOGS
My dog Tim thinks he is one of the kids and is entitled to go wherever we go. He calls shotgun 99% of the time; has dutiful assigned himself as the Ultimate Frisbee mascot; and goes on many adventures with us, such as hiking in Starved Rock. He has participated in the Naperville Last Fling Four Legged Follies; Tom Wehrli’s Napeville Canine Dog Disc Championships; and can be found on the backyard swing set, sliding down the slide through the sprinkler. He’s a funny guy that Tim; so we were so happy to find a nearby place for the kids, Tim, and all his dog pals to hang out together - - that didn’t require an annual dog license or daily fee - - and is opened year-round.
At the Batavia Bark Park, there are three acres of fenced-in space for our four-legged friends to run off leash, and better yet, there is a dog beach too! As the dog days of summer are upon us, this is the perfect place to cool off while exercising man’s best friend. Tim thoroughly enjoyed fetching the ball and swimming back to shore. It was positively entertaining watching 9 dogs hanging out at the beach while retrieving balls from the lake. My girls giggled, laughed, and joined the party in the lake to help retrieve forgotten balls.
The bark park offered plenty of shade in the wooded areas, while offering a very large grassy field to run and play. There were portable bathrooms nearby and plenty of free parking; but, remember to bring water for your pup and yourself. West Main Community Park also offers baseball fields, basketball courts, a roller hockey court, jogging paths, and a great 18-Hole Disc Golf Course.
Bring the kids, the dogs, the balls, and Frisbees - there is something for everyone! -Kristen Kucharski
OVERVIEW
West Main Community Park is also home to the Bark Park, located at the southwest corner of the site. The Bark Park features three acres of fenced in space for dogs to run off leash. A small pavilion is also located within the boundaries of the Bark Park and the dog water area is located just south of the park.
West Main Community Park, Batavia Dog Park/Beach
40W101 W. Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
(630) 879-5235
Hours
Open Year-Round
Price $: Free, No License or Permit Required
