Lakewood Dog Park Review
Wauconda, Illinois
Best Dog Parks Near Chicago Series
The Best Dog Park in Lake County?
Thats what long time visitors and residents of Wauconda think. While definitely a strong contender, Benji and I aren’t quite ready to list it as #1 as we have a few more stops to make.
Environment:
When it comes to space, this park is definitely unmatched. At 66 acres of fenced in land, it’s a paradise for dogs to run and explore. This is a huge plus at dog parks, as overcrowding is one aspect that can make dog parks an unsafe environment. No worries here though! Plenty of roam to spread out and roam. (Or if you’re Benji - plenty of plants, trees and bushes to mark…)
Another great feature to this park is the access to a few trails within the park. We have yet to explore them ourselves, but it’s high on our priority list to make a trip of it.
There’s also a pavilion located in the middle of the park. Great for shade, but surprising that there isn’t more than one considering the size of the park. I imagine it gets fairly crowded trying to hide from the sun during summertime.
A downside for us was the lack of water to play in. Benji loves to cool down (especially in summer) with a quick dip in a lake or pond. Independence Grove definitely has a leg up for first place in this aspect.
Cleanliness:
Stunningly clean - honestly. With a park that big, that is no small feat. Lots of conveniently located trash cans and complimentary doggy bags available. The park itself was well kept and mowed, making it easy to walk on. It wasn’t even very muddy despite visiting in mid-December.
Amenities:
Easy access to parking is always a plus. However, according to regulars at this park - it’s not enough on weekends. There is a bathroom (for humans!) located near the entrance. Per the website, there is a hand pump for water, but I didn’t see it in my trip - so will have to go back for further exploring.
Traffic:
This is an extremely busy and highly trafficked park. As I mention in the video, this can be both a pro and a con. If you’re dog loves playing with other dogs, and gets along well - they’ll have a blast here. If they’re a little anti-social, there are other parks we’d rather recommend.
PROS:
Large space with several trails
Extremely clean, with convenient garbage cans and complimentary baggies
Bathrooms
CONS:
No small dog area
Permit required
Difficulty parking at busy times
No pond/water
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Wags
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