Patch Readers Continue Dog Park Debate

Some are questioning the merits of Park District Commissioner Fernando Desiderio, while others are stepping up to defend him.

Last Week: Let's Not Talk About a Dog Park

Anyone hoping to see a dog park in Chicago Heights will have to wait a little longer, thanks to a bold move by the Park District Board last week.

Board Shoots Down Second Ward Dog Park Plan

There was no discussion. There was no vote. Only a silent room and a frustrated commissioner.

Three weeks ago, a Chicago Heights Park District commissioner spoke optimistically about turning a park in his ward into a dog park. Monday he got a rude awakening. The agenda for the April Board meeting included Ward Two Commissioner Fernando Desiderio's plan to have Guy Petrarca Park turned into a dog park. It was an idea he said he got from H-F Parks. During public participation, two young men told the board they collected 90 signatures on their petition supporting the new dog park.  When it came time to discuss the idea, Desiderio made the motion, but it was followed by silence. No other commissioner seconded the motion, so it died with no vote or discussion. "I knew they were going to do this," Desiderio said after the meeting. "These…

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Heights Park District to Vote on Dog Park Plan at Monday Meeting

The newest commissioner's plan to turn Guy Petrarca Park into a dog park will be discussed at tonight's public meeting.

Chicago Heights Park Will Be for the Dogs If Board Approves

The Park District Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to pay for new additions to Guy Petrarca Park at their April 23 meeting.

This article has been updated to reflect the rescheduled meeting date. A Chicago Heights park could get a makeover soon, if Second Ward Commissioner Fernando Desiderio gets his way. Inspired by a visit to Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's Rover's Run Dog Park, Desiderio wants to have Guy Petrarca Park changed into a dog park.  "It seems perfect for the change," Desiderio said. "People from the north side already bring their dogs here." Desiderio's idea involves adding fences, clean-up stations, benches and obstacles for the dogs, but needs board approval before he can request bids from contractors to have the new additions built at the park.  The board will discuss and vote on the matter at the next meeting and Desiderio is calling for …

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Sandra Corona

11:23 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012

Sitting behind a computer and saying you can do a much better job means nothing so if you can do such a better job then i dare you to go and make a difference in fact why don/t you start making this town a better place by looking for solutions instead of making an argument over the internet im sure that would benefit chicago heights much more ;) good luck to you   more ›

PatchCast: A Daily Video Report

Daily PatchCast: Grandmas Give Back, Teen Center Expands and A New Dog Park

A daily video recap of the Southland's top stories

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