DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS IN BOLINGBROOK, IL

Suburban sprawl defines this village of 74,000, where Chicago's southwest suburbs merge into DuPage County's outer ring. Continental climate brings harsh winters—lows around 15°F with 38 inches of snow—and humid summers in the mid-80s. Flat prairie landscape offers little geographic distinction, with development spreading across former farmland in waves following highway construction. Diverse population includes long-time residents and recent arrivals, all navigating traffic to employment centers scattered across the metro area.