The DeKalb Park District is going to the dogs.

Katz Park, which is located on Dresser Road near Hillcrest Drive, will become a dog park this summer.

“There are places where people can take their dog and take off their leash,” said Dave Emanuelson, executive director of the DeKalb Park District.

According to the city leash law, owners cannot take the leashes off their dogs unless the dogs are in a fenced area.

Since Katz Park is not within the city limits, it will not be in violation of the city ordinance. Also, the park is not near any residences.

The park is also the location of the adult softball league where members usually like bringing their dogs.

“Many people have dogs,” Emanuelson said. “Pets are a big part of people’s lives.”

The park will consist of benches, a fire hydrant and walking ramps.

There also will be a small playground for dogs which will be set up like an obstacle course.

The cost of building the park will be kept under $5,000, most of which will be used for fencing. The money will come from the park district’s capital project fund.

Katz Park itself is about 14 acres, but the dog park will be about half an acre.

A couple of the designs for the parks have been looked at, but nothing has been finalized, Emanuelson said. A proposal will be made to the board in May.

“It will not take long it do it,” Emanuelson said. “Maybe a week.”

Dogs parks have been looked at in other areas and no problems were apparent, Emanuelson said.

“Parks view pets as intrusive,” Emanuelson said. “Here, the pets won’t bother anybody.”

The park district also is trying to make the parks more pet friendly.

In parks which have pathways, pooper-scoopers will be there so owners can pick up after their dogs.