Fred Anderson dog park is a pair of fenced, artificial-turf dog areas in Anderson (Fred) Park, at 1611 S. Wabash Ave. in Chicago’s South Loop. There is one area for small dogs and one for large dogs, each with water play fountains, a tunnel, shade structures and a dog drinking fountain.
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Inside the Fred Anderson dog park
The Chicago Park District lists a solid set of features for its two enclosed dog areas. Each one has:
- artificial turf
- water play fountains, plus a dog-friendly drinking fountain
- a tunnel
- shade structures
- benches and picnic tables
- “Omega style” safety fencing
The South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative (SLDogPAC), the volunteer group that supports the area’s dog parks, describes the ground as artificial turf and concrete rather than grass. Because the small and large dogs have their own fenced areas, you can keep a small or nervous dog away from bigger, rougher play.
Quick facts
- Address: 1611 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60616
- Community area: Near South Side
- Park size: 1.20 acres, including the dog areas, a stage and a community garden
- Surface: artificial turf
- Small-dog area: yes, fenced separately
- Water: water play fountains and dog drinking fountains
- Shade: shade structures in both areas
Hours: check the sign
The Park District gives two different closing times. The dog area’s own listing says 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, the usual hours for Chicago dog areas. The Anderson (Fred) Park page says the park is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Plan to finish by 9 p.m. unless the posted sign says otherwise.
The park and the man it honors
Anderson Park is small, but the dogs share it with more than you might expect. The Park District lists a community garden and a stage with a seating wall for performances by local artists, with its own shade structures, benches and electrical service.
The stage suits the name. Fred Anderson (1929 to 2010) was a jazz saxophonist who, the Park District says, taught himself piano from the age of five. From 1982 he helped run the Velvet Lounge on South Indiana Avenue, later taking it over and turning it into a renowned venue for creative music. He was also one of the original Chicago members of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. The park was named for him in 2011.
It took a while to build. DNAinfo reported in November 2014 that the park had been in planning for six years and would open in mid-December 2014. It was designed by Altamanu and built by Robe Construction. At the time, the plans included planters, concrete walkways, lighting, ornamental fences and shade canopies, as well as the turf dog areas.
Getting there and nearby walks
The park is on Wabash Avenue in the blocks south of 16th Street, in the South Loop. If you want a second stop, Coliseum Park also has a dog area, a block or two north at 1466 S. Wabash Ave. It is a smaller park of 0.75 acres, with a playground as well. Further north, toward downtown, is the Grant Park dog park.
Your dog will need a Park District DFA tag to use the turf areas. Our Chicago city guide covers the permit, along with CTA’s rules if you are bringing a dog by train.
More Chicago dog parks
- Coliseum Park Dog Park: the nearest dog area, on the same stretch of Wabash.
- Grant Park Dog Park: downtown, north of the South Loop.
- Bronzeville Dog Park 590: further south, by the Indiana Green Line station.
- All Chicago dog parks
Frequently asked questions
Is Fred Anderson dog park fenced?
Yes. Both areas are enclosed with what the Park District calls Omega-style safety fencing.
Does Fred Anderson dog park have a small-dog area?
Yes. There are two separate enclosed areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs.
Is there water for dogs at Fred Anderson Park?
Yes. The Park District lists water play fountains and dog-friendly drinking fountains in the dog areas.
What time does Fred Anderson dog park close?
Park District listings give either 9 p.m. or 11 p.m. The park page says 9 p.m., so check the posted sign.
Who was Fred Anderson?
A Chicago jazz saxophonist (1929 to 2010) who ran the Velvet Lounge. The park was named for him in 2011.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Anderson (Fred) Park, Anderson (Fred) Dog Friendly Areas and Coliseum Park; South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative; DNAinfo, 25 November 2014. Park details change, so check before you go.