Paws ‘n Play Dog Park

Paws ‘n Play Paws ‘n Play at Bock Park at Bock Park

Who wants Who wants to play?! to play?!

The Lan-Oak Park District is proud to offer a very special park, just for you and your best friend. Paws ‘n Play provides ample grassy space for running and playing - space that is fence-enclosed in an attractive and interesting curved design. The dog park spans about one acre, has separate areas for large and small dogs, grassy berms, a shade shelter, a two-level water fountain, and park benches. For your dog’s safety, entry is restricted through a computerized gate to only allow those animals that are registered and have provided proof of current vaccinations to the park district. Paws ‘n Play memberships are available for purchase at the Lan-Oak Park District Eisenhower Center. The membership requirements, lisiting of required immunizations, rules and regulations, and full packet are available on the park district website at www.lanoakparkdistrict.org. Memberships are for one year from the date of purchase. Resident fee for one dog is $50 with a second dog fee of $30. Paws ‘n Play is open year-round. Members must comply with state COVID executive orders while visiting - face masks, social distancing, water fountain closed.

Residents are welcome to join in the fun and sponsor the dog park on behalf of their best friend... I HELPED, TOO! Sponsorship

In order to celebrate the best friends that enjoy the park, residents may receive a sign, mounted at the dog park, displaying their dog’s name. This is a one-time, $100 donation. Residents may volunteer their time to help maintain the dog park by calling 708-474-8552.

Paws ‘n Play at Bock Park is located at 17551 Chicago Avenue, near the corner of Chicago Avenue and 175th Street. Drive by, check it out! Paws ‘n Play at Bock Park

is a Winner! The Lan-Oak Park District has been presented with the Outstanding Park Award for its design and development of the Paws ‘n Play Dog Park at Bock Park. The Outstanding Park Award is presented each year by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The award is separated into two divisions – Division 1 for a park district with an overall budget of under $5 million annually, and Division 2 for a park district with an annual budget of more than $5 million. Lan-Oak Park District won in Division 1.

About the Paws ‘n Play Design... Dogs, when given the chance, will walk in curves as a calming signal. It’s what they do when they meet off-leash and are free to do things their own way. This understanding led to the curved design of the park, rather then the rectangular shape most common in dog parks. Dogs always seem to run the perimeter of an enclosed space. Why? Dogs are very territorial and they are making sure that everything is okay on their turf. To avoid the certain wear and tear around the perimeter of the park, limestone (a substance safe for dog paws) was poured along the outside fence line. Just like humans, dogs receive a stronger workout when moving uphill and downhill. Doing so strengthens their cardiovascular health - thus the addition of berms inside the park.