Seasoned beach regulars know the lake is constantly in flux. The Dog Beach is a natural area subject to storms and snow and the tides. Every year the shore line changes, the sand bar moves, and the beach gets more sand. Typically we gain more space as the water lever lowers and more sand is washed ashore. Our fences have been extended every year for the last 5 years. 2010 was different. Overall the shoreline receded and our south fence actually ran into the lake, or as close to it as it has ever been.

Many beach newbies and people with wandering dogs request that the fence be extended into the lake. Mondog, and the Park District, have always opposed this. It would collect garbage, inhibit water flow, potentially create a hazard for dogs and swimmers, and mostly, it would require constant maintenance. That's where we're at now.

Ice, snow, and a big storm early in January trashed the fence. It's unfortunate, but it's going to happen if the fence is close to the shore line. There's not a lot we can do about it. Mondog only does minor repairs. Major repairs, like this damaged fence, are completed by the Park District's tradesmen. This repair has been reported and it will be repaired sometime in the future, when the weather is less volatile.