Half-price dog park permits are now available for purchase online and at Forest Preserve visitor centers.

The permits went on sale July 1 and they can be used at all six Forest Preserve dog parks through the end of 2024.

Discounted permits can be purchased in person at: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. 

Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook is closed for renovations, so permits cannot be purchased at that location. 

The half-year permits decrease from $40 to $20 for Will County residents and from $80 to $40 for nonresidents. Seniors, veterans and active duty military get a $10 discount, so half-year passes are only $10 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. (Multiple discounts cannot be applied.) 

The fees for each additional dog ($20 for residents, $30 for nonresidents) remain the same. Each dog park permit holder is allowed a maximum of three dogs.

Daily permit fees remain the same at $5 per dog for both Will County residents and nonresidents for up to three dogs. 

Permits also can be purchased through the mail by downloading the online dog park permit application and mailing it to Sugar Creek Administration Center.

Dog park permits are required for entry into the Forest Preserve's six off-leash dog parks located in: Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road Access, Wesley Township; Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access, Shorewood; Lower Rock Run Preserve – McClintock Road Access, Joliet; Messenger Marsh, Homer Glen; Plum Valley Preserve – Ballou Road Access, Crete Township; and Whalon Lake, Naperville.

A current rabies tag number and expiration date must be provided in order to purchase a dog park permit. Dogs must be at least six months of age to use the dog parks. For additional dog park rules, visit the Dog Parks page.