Status
Phase 1

The Forest Preserve District awarded a contract to Hacienda Landscaping Inc. on Aug. 4, 2026, for construction of the shelters. The project is under permit review and is not expected to begin until late fall or early winter 2026.

The first two preserves to receive the new structures will be Hawk Hollow and Oldfield Oaks. To ensure public safety, Oldfield Oaks may be closed during construction but for no more than three weeks. Hawk Hollow may be partially closed for the same time. Off-leash permit holders will receive emails to let them know when and if closures will happen.

Both areas will receive two 9-by-12-foot shelters. Hawk Hollow will have one in each of the two rotating fields, and Oldfield Oaks will have two in the main field.

Once construction wraps up, visitors will not be able to use the shade structures until the turf grows in, but the off-leash areas will be open.

Phase 2

Springbrook Prairie and Greene Valley will be the next preserves to receive shade shelters with construction expected to begin summer 2027. Other off-leash areas may also be part of the 2027 schedule.