Local

Labor Day Doggie Dip Takes a Bath


Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Village officials were forced to put the Labor Day Doggie Dip on permanent hold last week, citing a recent law enacted by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Officials had planned to permit dogs into the Aqua Center as part of the Scenic 5 and More festivities planned for the end-of-summer holiday.

According to the July 2008 issue of Parks & Recreation, reporter Roxanne Hawn writes, "Despite no illness outbreaks, the Illinois Department of Public Health cited concerns over parasites and water-borne pathogens and shut down end-of-season dog-swim events at pools throughout the state in 2007."

Hawn says an initial warning letter went out in 2004 and included penalties of license revocation and even class-A misdemeanor charges "for those who did not comply." Some pool operators still allowed dogs to use the pools as long as the pools were not shared by people and the swimming canines. In 2007, however, the IDPH put its foot down, saying that animals are not permitted into licensed pools at all, regardless of whether people are in the water at the same time.

Plans for the Scenic 5 and More continue.

The cost for the 5 mile race is $27 through August 1st. After August 1st, the cost will be $32. The entry fee for the children’s race is $10. Runners are encouraged to register online, where a $2 registration discount is available, at http://www.signmeup.com. To register in-person or by mail, entry forms must be turned into the Recreation & Parks Department, located in Village Hall, by August 25th. No race day registration will be available.

Participants may also register for the day’s events via the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club’s Progressive Half Marathon .

Numerous events are scheduled throughout the day following the race including the following:

  • Family Bike Ride
  • 5K walk of the Wetlands
  • 5 lap swim at the Park Forest Aqua Center
  • Park Forest Youth Day activities

Volunteers are needed for the day’s events. To volunteer, please call 708.748.2005.

Related: Progressive Half Marathon Welcomes Runners, Walkers


ARCHIVES