Project Information
In January of 2024, the Park District was awarded an OLSD Grant to fund 50% of the proposed improvements to Willow Park. The estimated total cost of the project is $810,600 which includes improvements to the northern section of Willow Park with a focus on the natural areas and open space beautification. New amenities include crushed stone trail extensions, bird habitats, gazebo, new pedestrian bridge, river overlook, disc golf, gaga pit, general landscape enhancements, replacement of the batting cage and outdoor fitness stations.
Off-Leash Dog Area Updates (September 2026)
With the majority of the project now complete, we are preparing to implement a second phase of improvements to the off-leash dog area at Willow Park. This phased approach began in 2024 with the installation of split rail fence with wire mesh along the perimeter of the area to improve safety for people and dogs along the sidewalks and roads. In the two years since adding that fence we received feedback from the community related to:
- The lack of a fully enclosed enclosed area, allowing dogs to access the roads, creek, and river
- Potential conflicts between disc golf activities, general park use and off-leash dogs
- Gates creating challenges for pedestrians and cyclists moving throughout the park
To address this feedback, additional split rail fence with wire mesh will soon be installed to create a fully enclosed off-leash dog area (see map below).
Fully Enclosed Off-Leash Dog Area Map
(Installation of Additional Fencing Scheduled to Begin week of November 16th)
Project Background, Community Input & Proposed Improvements
The Northfield Park District recognizes that there are differing opinions regarding the plans for a fully enclosed off-leash dog area at Willow Park. This topic has been discussed extensively over several years, with input received from residents, park users, neighboring property owners, and Park Board members.
The current proposal reflects an effort to balance the needs of all park users while preserving an off-leash dog amenity. The following information provides background on the planning process, community feedback, and considerations that led to the proposed improvements.
A History of Community Input
2022–2023: Comprehensive Master Plan
The conversation surrounding a fully enclosed dog area gained momentum during the development of the Park District's Comprehensive Master Plan. Considerable community feedback was received, with residents expressing a variety of perspectives.
Some current users questioned why the area was not fully fenced, while others expressed discomfort using the space without an enclosure. Additional concerns focused on the safety of pedestrians walking through the area while off-leash dogs were present.
Summer 2023: Willow Park Improvement Plans
When planning began for the Willow Park Improvements Project, an enclosed dog park was included in the initial concepts.
Several Park Board meetings during the summer of 2023 were well attended by residents and neighboring property owners who shared their opinions on the proposal. The primary concerns expressed by neighboring residents centered on the style and material of the proposed metal fencing.
In response to those concerns, and as a compromise intended to address safety while being respectful of neighboring residents, the plans were revised to include split-rail fencing with wire mesh along the perimeter sidewalks. Due to floodway restrictions, the fence was not designed to fully enclose an area but rather provide a safer barrier between off-leash dogs and pedestrians on the adjacent sidewalks.
December 2023–January 2024: Community Dog Park Survey
In December 2023, the Park District distributed a dog park survey to residents in its email database. The survey generated 491 responses, with results presented to the Park Board in January 2024.
The Board felt the feedback supported continuing to explore the possibility of fully enclosing an area for dogs. You can view the Dog Park Survey Results HERE.
Fall 2024: Perimeter Fencing Installed
The split-rail fencing with wire mesh was installed around the perimeter of the off-leash area. While the installation received mostly positive feedback, the Park District continued to hear from residents through emails and in-person conversations that the lack of a fully enclosed area remained a concern.
Considerations Leading to the Current Proposal
As the Willow Park Improvements Project approached completion in 2026, additional considerations emerged regarding how the space should function for all park users.
- Pedestrian access: Neighboring residents expressed a preference for keeping the park open and accessible, including maintaining connectivity at the new trail connections to surrounding sidewalks.
- Disc golf and general park use: The addition of disc golf, new trails, and benches introduced additional recreational opportunities and raised questions about how to best balance these uses with allowing off-leash dogs in the area.
- Off-leash dog safety: Residents continued to express concerns about the lack of a fully enclosed area for dogs.
Beginning in June 2026, Park District staff presented the Park Board with a concept for additional fencing that would create a fully enclosed off-leash dog area.
The proposed layout was intentionally designed to balance the needs of all park users:
- The primary walking trails remain outside the enclosed area, allowing for the removal of gates at the two main sidewalk connections and maintaining pedestrian access through the park.
- The disc golf holes remain outside the fenced area to minimize potential conflicts between dogs and disc golfers.
- A fully enclosed area is provided for residents who prefer a more secure environment for their dogs.
Park Board Discussion
The fencing layout was discussed at the June, July, August, September, and October 2026 Park Board meetings, with the Park Board giving staff the direction to move forward with the proposed plan.
At the October meeting, two residents who regularly use the off-leash dog area attended and shared their perspectives with the Board.
Throughout these discussions, the Board emphasized that the proposal was the result of several years of consideration and community feedback. The goal was to identify a reasonable compromise that preserves the off-leash dog amenity while also addressing the needs and interests of other park users and neighboring residents.
Understanding the Property
One additional consideration is the ownership of the property in this section of Willow Park.
Nearly one acre of the property north of the creek is owned by School District 29, leaving approximately two acres of Park District property in this area.
The current proposal essentially divides the available Park District property in half, with a little more than one acre designated for the fully enclosed off-leash dog area.
Moving Forward
The decision to pursue additional fencing at Willow Park was not made lightly or without considerable community input. Feedback has been received through Park Board meetings, emails, and conversations involving Board members, including those who personally use the off-leash dog area.
The Park District recognizes that residents have differing opinions about how this space should be used. The current proposal represents an effort to balance those perspectives while maintaining a dedicated off-leash dog amenity, preserving pedestrian connectivity, and minimizing conflicts with other recreational activities.
The Park District appreciates everyone who has taken the time to participate in this process and share their perspectives. Community input remains an important part of planning and decision-making for our parks and facilities. As the area continues to be used, the Park District will monitor how the space functions for all park users and evaluate whether any adjustments may be warranted in the future.
If you’d like to share your feedback, please email the Park Board at [email protected].
Willow Park Improvements Map
