BENTON, Ill. (KFVS) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Rend Lake Dog Park on Friday, June 12.
It will take place at 1:30 p.m.
According to organizers, the new dog park is located near the recently expanded Blackberry Nature Trail on the west side of the lake at 8004 S. Rend City Road in Benton, Ill.
The new facility serves as the only designated off-leash dog park in Franklin County.
Following the ceremony, the celebration will feature a “Doggy Speed Dating” dog adoption event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with dogs and other pets from the Perry County Humane Society of Illinois.
ADVERTISEMENT
Franklin County Animal Control and Friends of Franklin County Animal Control will also be in attendance.
If you are not interested in adopting a pet, you can still support these organizations by donating items such as dog or cat food, bleach, cat litter and paper towels.
Visitors must have their pets leashed during the ribbon-cutting before entering the off-leash enclosed area.
For more information, call 618-724-2493 or email rendinfo-MVS@usace.army.mil.
Copyright 2026 KFVS. All rights reserved.