Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary

Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary and Barking Lot Dog Park - Renovated 2018/2019


The Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary contains 11.84 acres and is located at 650 N. Rohlwing Road. It has walking trails for viewing birds and other wildlife. In January 2015 Itasca Park District was awarded a $363,500 OSLAD Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to renovate this site. A dog park, interpretive nature trail, outdoor fitness station, boardwalk, outdoor classroom and habitat restoration accompany the new nature based play area, a picnic shelter, grill and a baggo court. This project was completed in June 2018. The Barking Lot Dog Park opened in May 2019.