Doggies Welcome
Wicker Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Wicker Park Dog Park, Chicago: The Rebuilt “Wicker Bark” Run

The Wicker Park dog park, known locally as Wicker Bark, is the Chicago Park District dog area in the southwest corner of Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave. It reopened in November 2025 after a volunteer-led rebuild that added artificial turf, agility boulders and a large sun shade. It’s a good pick for sociable dogs that like to wrestle and climb, though big and small dogs share one space.

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What the rebuilt Wicker Park dog park has

The Wicker Park Advisory Council, which ran the project through its Wicker Bark Committee, says the new layout is 25% bigger, giving almost 6,000 square feet of off-leash space. That lines up with the Park District’s own figure of 0.14 acres for the dog area.

  • Surfaces: an artificial turf run and play area, plus what the council calls “paw-friendly sealed and colored asphalt.”
  • Things to climb: agility boulders set into the play area.
  • Shade: a large sun shade structure, which matters on a hot afternoon.
  • Water: a new drinking fountain built for both people and dogs.
  • Seating: several seating areas for owners.

Neither the council nor the Park District mentions a separate small-dog section, so plan for a mixed crowd. If your small dog needs its own pen, Walsh Park’s dog area (see below) was split by size when it reopened in 2015.

Why Wicker Bark needed a rebuild

The council dates the dog area to about 1997 and calls it one of Chicago’s first designated dog friendly areas. After more than 25 years of hard use, its list of problems was long: fencing that was “originally designed to blend into the historic nature of Wicker Park,” with most of its posts “completely rotted through from dog urine”; pickets that weren’t built to dog-park standards, which was a hazard for small dogs; gravel beds that barely drained; and cracked asphalt that tore paw pads.

Block Club Chicago reported on 20 May 2025 that the dog park had closed as the renovation began, and on 14 November 2025 that it would reopen that Saturday. The council held its grand opening on Saturday 15 November. By the council’s account, more than $500,000 came in, including $250,000 from State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, $175,000 from 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata, $75,000 from the Park District, $50,000 from SSA #33, which the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce manages, and about $100,000 from individual residents.

The council still looks for volunteers and sponsors to help keep the space in shape; details are on wickerpark.org.

The park around it

Wicker Park is a 4.74-acre park in the West Town community area, open 6am to 11pm daily. The Park District places the dog area at the corner of Wicker Park Avenue and Evergreen Avenue.

It is one of the older parks in the city. Businessmen Charles G. and Joel H. Wicker gave the four-acre parcel to the City in 1870. It first had an artificial lake, which was filled in and turned to lawn by 1890. A decorative fountain followed between 1892 and 1895, and in 1908 landscape architect Jens Jensen swapped its cast-iron centerpiece for a jet spray. Today the park has a fieldhouse, a playground with water spray, a ball field, basketball courts and 10,000 square feet of ornamental gardens that volunteers from the Wicker Park Garden Club designed, fund and maintain.

Each dog using Wicker Bark needs a Park District dog-area permit tag; our Chicago city guide covers how to get one.

Getting there

The CTA Blue Line’s Damen station is at 1558 N. Damen Ave., about a block and a half north of the park, and the #50, #56 and #72 buses stop there.

Quick facts

  • Address: 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 (Wicker Park Ave. and Evergreen Ave. corner)
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Size: 0.14 acres (almost 6,000 sq ft)
  • Surface: artificial turf and sealed, colored asphalt
  • Water and shade: people-and-dog drinking fountain; large sun shade
  • Permit: Park District dog-area tag required

Other dog parks near Wicker Park

Three more dog areas are a short trip north and west. Churchill Park dog park is about half a mile up Damen, right beside the 606 trail. Walsh Park dog park sits at the trail’s Ashland Avenue end and reopened in 2015 with separate pens for small and large dogs. For more room, Logan Square Dog Park was reported at about 8,000 square feet when it opened. See all Chicago dog parks for the rest of the city.

FAQ

Is the Wicker Park dog park open?

Yes. It closed in May 2025 for a full rebuild and reopened in mid-November 2025. The park is open 6am to 11pm daily.

Do I need a permit for Wicker Park dog park?

Yes. Like every Chicago Park District dog area, it requires a permit tag for each dog. The Chicago city guide explains the process.

Is there a small-dog area at Wicker Bark?

No separate small-dog area is mentioned by the Park District or the advisory council, so small and large dogs share the space.

What surface does the Wicker Park dog park have?

Since the 2025 rebuild it has an artificial turf run and play area plus sealed, colored asphalt, replacing the old gravel beds and cracked asphalt.

Is there water and shade?

Yes. There is a drinking fountain designed for both people and dogs, and a large sun shade structure.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Wicker Dog Friendly Area, Chicago Park District: Wicker (Charles, Joel) Park, Wicker Park Advisory Council: About Wicker Bark, Block Club Chicago (20 May 2025, 14 Nov 2025), CTA: Damen (Blue Line). Park details change, so check before you go.

Near North Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Near North Park Dog Park (Park No. 598), Chicago: New for 2026

Near North Park dog park is the dog friendly area inside Park No. 598, a new Chicago Park District park at 1500 N. Larrabee St. that opened in August 2026. It has separate large and small dog areas, artificial turf mounds, trees and pet-bowl drinking fountains.

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Inside the Near North Park dog park

The Park District describes the dog area as having “large and small dog areas, pet-bowl drinking fountains, artificial turf mounds, and trees.”

When the Park District announced construction in October 2024, it said the dog area would have “concrete and artificial turf surfaces with spaces for both small and large dogs” and a drinking fountain. The builder, BEAR Construction, described the same plan. The current Park District listing mentions only the turf mounds, so we can’t confirm how much of the finished area is concrete.

As with every Park District dog area, each dog needs a current DFA permit tag, which our Chicago city guide covers in full.

From school field to new park

The site has a long back story. According to the Park District, it was the outdoor recreation area of Near North High School. After Chicago Public Schools closed the school in 2001, the land went back to the Chicago Housing Authority, which transferred the 3.8-acre site to the Park District in May 2019. Block Club Chicago’s September 2024 report on the plans described it as the former home of Cooley High.

Dogs were here before the dog area was. In February 2023, a neighbor started a Change.org petition asking 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. to recognize “the Old Town dog park at 1514 N. Larrabee,” after police began warning owners who were letting dogs run off-leash on the open field. Off-leash play is only allowed in a designated dog area, so the new designated dog area settles that question.

The Park District board approved the project in September 2024, work began with a groundbreaking on October 18, 2024, and the Park District announced its ribbon cutting on August 31, 2026. The Park District’s August 2026 announcement lists $4.4 million in Tax Increment Financing and a $250,000 state DCEO grant among the funding.

The rest of Park No. 598

The whole park covers 4.01 acres near Stanton Park in the Near North community area. The Park District lists:

  • a 0.2-mile walking path, plus 0.42 miles of lit pathways with seat walls, benches and picnic tables
  • a 1.68-acre central lawn, an aspen grove, 95 shade trees and over 200 shrubs
  • a plaza with decorative pavers and a shade structure with accent lighting
  • a playground with separate spaces for ages 2–5 and 5–12
  • an adult fitness area with more than 20 workouts

The walking path and lit pathways give you a leashed loop before or after the dog area. The lawn is part of the main park, not the dog area, so dogs stay leashed there.

Getting to Park No. 598

The CTA Sedgwick station, on the Brown and Purple lines, is at 1536 N. Sedgwick St., about two blocks east of the park. The station lists connections to the #37 Sedgwick and #72 North buses. Check the CTA pet rules in the city guide before taking your dog on board.

Quick facts

  • Dog area address: 1500 N. Larrabee St., Chicago, IL 60610 (the park’s listing uses 1514 N. Larrabee)
  • Community area: Near North
  • Opened: August 2026
  • Hours: 6am–11pm daily
  • Small-dog area: yes
  • Surface: artificial turf mounds; the 2024 plans also listed concrete
  • Water: pet-bowl drinking fountains
  • Cost: free, with a Park District DFA tag

More dog parks close by

Larrabee Street links this park with another dog area: about a mile south, the Larrabee Dog Park at Ward Park sits beside the Chicago River in River North. Further north, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is Wiggly Field, and west across the river in Bucktown is Walsh Park. Browse all Chicago dog parks for more.

Near North Park dog park FAQ

When did the Near North Park dog park open?

Park No. 598 opened in August 2026, according to the Chicago Park District. The dog area opened with the rest of the park.

Does the Near North Park dog park have a small-dog area?

Yes. The Park District lists separate large and small dog areas.

Is Park No. 598 the same as the old Old Town dog park on Larrabee?

It is the same site. Owners used the open field informally before, but that was not a designated dog area. The new park has an official dog friendly area.

Is there water for dogs?

Yes. The dog area has pet-bowl drinking fountains, per the Park District.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District: Park No. 598, Park No. 598 Dog Friendly Area, Park District ribbon-cutting release (August 31, 2026), groundbreaking release (October 17, 2024), board approval release (September 11, 2024), BEAR Construction, Block Club Chicago (September 19, 2024), Change.org petition (February 2023), CTA: Sedgwick station. Park details change, so check before you go.

Bronzeville Dog Park 592 in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Bronzeville Dog Park 592, Chicago: Vincennes Ave, Largest of Three

Bronzeville dog park 592 is the Chicago Park District’s dog area at 4149-53 S. Vincennes Ave., in the Grand Boulevard community area. At 0.38 acres, it is the largest and southernmost of Bronzeville’s three numbered dog parks. It has separate spaces for small and large dogs, and it is the pick of the three if your dog wants the most room to run.

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How Bronzeville dog park 592 compares

The three Bronzeville dog parks were built together and look alike on paper, so here is what separates them. The residents’ group BARC says they are about a mile apart.

  • Park No. 592 (this page): South Vincennes Avenue just north of 42nd Street, 0.38 acres. The biggest of the three and the farthest south.
  • Park No. 590: South Indiana Avenue, 0.32 acres, about a block from the Indiana Green Line station. It opened first, in September 2019.
  • Park No. 591: South Lake Park Avenue in Oakland, 0.31 acres, beside the 10-acre Mandrake Park.

Inside the Vincennes Avenue dog area

There is no bigger park around this one. The Park District describes the whole 0.38-acre lot as a Dog Friendly Area and lists no other facilities. It was city-owned land that the community chose for a dog park. The city transferred it to the Park District in 2018.

BARC says each of the three parks has separate spaces for small and large dogs. The 2018 plans promised the same fittings at all three sites, but only the Indiana Avenue park got an opening-day write-up. We could not confirm the finished surface or a working fountain here, so bring water in summer.

Quick facts

  • Address: 4149-53 S. Vincennes Ave., Chicago, IL 60653
  • Community area: Grand Boulevard
  • Size: 0.38 acres, the largest of the three Bronzeville dog parks
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, as listed on its Park District page
  • Small-dog area: yes, per BARC
  • Park District phone: (312) 747-9938

Visitor impressions of Park No. 592

Google reviews read in September 2026 describe this as a clean, well-groomed dog park with a close-knit group of regulars. Reviewers often call the owners friendly, and one described the regulars as a family group who look out for each other. Several mention the separate sides for big and small dogs. One reviewer noted it is tucked into a residential block with easy parking and benches, and another found it uncrowded.

The gripes are about waste. One reviewer said people do not always pick up after their dogs, and another found the bag dispenser empty, so bring your own bags. One visitor described small patches of real and artificial grass; we have not confirmed the surface. Another mentioned a hose for rinsing the area and clean-looking dog water, but as we could not confirm a working fountain, bringing water in summer is still wise.

Its place in the Bronzeville trio

This was one of the first two sites to go into construction. In February 2019, Block Club Chicago reported that the Vincennes and Lake Park Avenue parks would be built first, with the Indiana Avenue park later that year. Then-4th Ward Ald. Sophia King said the work would take two to three months.

Things did not go quite to plan. When the Indiana Avenue park opened in September 2019, Block Club reported that the Vincennes site was still going through final checks. We did not find a source for its exact opening date.

Getting there

The Green Line’s 43rd station, at 314 E. 43rd St., is a couple of blocks to the south-west. CTA lists a connection there to the #43 bus. Dogs ride CTA only in carriers.

Permit

A Park District DFA tag is required here, as at the other two Bronzeville parks, and the Chicago city guide has the steps.

Other dog parks nearby

Browse all Chicago dog parks.

Frequently asked questions

What are the hours at Bronzeville dog park 592?

The Park District lists 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Which is the biggest dog park in Bronzeville?

Park No. 592 on Vincennes Avenue, at 0.38 acres. The other two are 0.32 and 0.31 acres.

Is there a small-dog section at Park No. 592?

Yes. BARC says all three Bronzeville parks have separate spaces for small and large dogs.

Can I get to Bronzeville dog park 592 by ‘L’?

Yes. The Green Line’s 43rd station, at 314 E. 43rd St., is a couple of blocks to the south-west. Your dog will need to travel in a carrier.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Park No. 592 and Park No. 592 Dog Friendly Area; City of Chicago, Three Dog Parks Approved for South Side Neighborhoods; BARC locations; Block Club Chicago, 5 February 2019 and 18 September 2019; CTA 43rd station. Park details change, so check before you go.

Bronzeville Dog Park 590 in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Bronzeville Dog Park 590, Chicago: Indiana Ave by the Green Line

Bronzeville dog park 590 is a 0.32-acre Chicago Park District dog area at 3938-40 S. Indiana Ave., in the Grand Boulevard community area. It has separate sides for smaller and larger dogs and a fountain for dogs and people, according to Block Club Chicago’s opening report. Of Bronzeville’s three dog parks, it opened first, and it sits about a block from a Green Line station.

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Which Bronzeville dog park is this?

Bronzeville has three small Park District dog areas, all known by number rather than name. The neighborhood group that campaigned for them says they sit about a mile apart. Here is how they differ:

  • Park No. 590 (this page): South Indiana Avenue in Grand Boulevard, 0.32 acres, about a block north of the Green Line’s Indiana station.
  • Park No. 591: South Lake Park Avenue, just east of Mandrake Park, and the only one of the three in the Oakland community area.
  • Park No. 592: South Vincennes Avenue in Grand Boulevard, and at 0.38 acres the largest of the three.

What Bronzeville dog park 590 is like

Many Chicago dog areas are a fenced corner of a bigger park. This one is not. The whole site is the dog area: the Park District says it developed this park as a Dog Friendly Area, and lists no other facilities there. Don’t expect a playground, field or fieldhouse next door.

When it opened, Block Club Chicago reported two separate areas for larger and smaller dogs, a water fountain for dogs and humans, and bench seating. The city’s 2018 plans for all three Bronzeville parks called for synthetic turf, black metal fencing, landscaping, dog water fountains and security lighting. We have not found a Park District page that confirms the finished surface or lighting, so treat those as planned features.

Quick facts

  • Address: 3938-40 S. Indiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60653
  • Community area: Grand Boulevard
  • Size: 0.32 acres
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Park District’s standard dog-area hours
  • Small-dog area: yes, separate from the large-dog side
  • Water: fountain for dogs and people (reported at opening)
  • Park District phone: (312) 747-6007

How Bronzeville got its first dog park

These were the first official dog parks in Bronzeville. About 300 residents in the Bronzeville Association for Recreation with Canines (BARC) spent 18 months pushing for them, WTTW reported in August 2018. The three sites were empty city-owned lots, and BARC says they were the top vote-getters in a poll of its members.

The city proposed the parks in July 2018, and City Council approved them that September. The city sold each lot to the Park District for $1. The build for all three was paid for with $1.8 million in tax increment financing and $92,000 in Open Space Impact Fees.

In February 2019, Block Club Chicago reported that this Indiana Avenue site would be built after the other two. It ended up opening first, with a ribbon cutting in September 2019. At the time, Block Club said the Lake Park and Vincennes parks were still in final checks. Heather Gleason, the Park District’s director of planning and development, told Block Club: “It’s really great to see how dog parks do build community.”

Getting there

The Green Line’s Indiana station is at 4003 S. Indiana Ave., about a block south of the dog area, and CTA lists a connection to the #39 bus there. Pets can ride CTA only in carriers.

Permit and upkeep

Like every Park District dog area, it expects your dog to have a current Dog Friendly Area tag, and our Chicago city guide explains how to get one. BARC still supports the three parks and runs a Facebook group for local dog owners. When the parks were being built, the Park District asked for volunteers to help keep them clean and act as monitors.

Other dog parks nearby

For every Chicago dog area, see all Chicago dog parks.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Bronzeville dog park 590?

It is at 3938-40 S. Indiana Ave., in the Grand Boulevard community area, about a block north of the Indiana Green Line station.

Does Park No. 590 have a small-dog area?

Yes. It has separate areas for smaller and larger dogs, according to both BARC and Block Club Chicago’s opening report.

What are the hours at Bronzeville dog park 590?

The Park District’s dog areas are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Park No. 590 page does not list different hours.

Which Bronzeville dog park is the biggest?

Park No. 592 on Vincennes Avenue, at 0.38 acres. Park No. 590 is 0.32 acres and Park No. 591 is 0.31 acres.

When did the Indiana Avenue dog park open?

It opened with a ribbon cutting on 17 September 2019, the first of Bronzeville’s three dog parks.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Park No. 590 and Park No. 590 Dog Friendly Area; City of Chicago, Three Dog Parks Approved for South Side Neighborhoods; WTTW, 6 August 2018; Block Club Chicago, 5 February 2019 and 18 September 2019; BARC locations; CTA Indiana station. Park details change, so check before you go.

West Loop 569 Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

West Loop 569 Dog Park, Chicago: Half-Acre Volunteer-Backed Bark Park

The West Loop 569 dog park is a Chicago Park District dog area at 1358 W. Monroe St., on the north side of the street between Throop and Loomis, across from Skinner Park. At 0.46 acres it’s one of the roomier runs near downtown. A volunteer group keeps it stocked with shade, water features and balls, so it’s a strong choice for dogs that want to run and cool off.

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A park built for dogs

Officially it’s Park No. 569, and the Park District describes it simply as “this small dog park,” 0.46 acres in the Near West community. The dog area is the only facility the Park District lists here. According to the Park District, it acquired the city-owned lot at Loomis and Monroe in 2015 and developed it into a park with a dog friendly area.

Day to day, the park is backed by The West Loop 569 Bark Park, a volunteer group that calls it “a 100% donation funded park.” The group describes a “half acre play area” with tree-shaded walkways, a rockery and turf, a mix of turf, concrete and rock surfaces, canopy sun shades and water features, including splash pools. It says it also provides tennis balls and ball launchers, seating and poop bags around the park.

The Park District doesn’t list a separate small-dog area here, and the volunteer group doesn’t describe one either.

Quick facts

  • Address: 1358 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60607 (between Throop and Loomis)
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
  • Size: 0.46 acres
  • Surfaces: turf, concrete and rock (per the volunteer group)
  • Shade: trees and canopy sun shades
  • Water: water features and splash pools
  • Permit: Chicago Park District DFA tag

As at any Park District dog area, your dog will need a DFA tag from a participating vet. The Chicago city guide has the details.

Who looks after the West Loop 569 dog park

The volunteer group’s donations page says gifts pay for “maintenance services to keep the park a safe and clean place,” including monthly power washing. Its volunteers run three committees: fundraising, a “Poop Scoop Patrol” with flexible days and hours, and event-day helpers. A “Daily Doggy Duties” sign at the park lists what needs doing.

The group also hosts events. Its 2026 calendar lists a Puppy Prom in May, the park’s birthday party in August and a Howl-O-Ween party on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It also mentions breed meet-ups and partnerships with local businesses. Check the group’s events page or its Instagram, @westloop569, for current dates.

One date differs between sources. The volunteer group says the park has been running “since 2014,” while the Park District says it acquired the site in 2015. We give both rather than pick one.

Around Skinner Park

Across Monroe Street is Skinner Park, the Park District’s 7.01-acre neighborhood park at 1331 W. Adams St. It runs the programming for this area, since Park No. 569 has none of its own.

Skinner has a long history. It was set aside in 1848 as Jefferson Park and soon improved with lawn, trees and a small lake, and Theodore Dreiser featured it in Sister Carrie. It was renamed in 1955 for the adjacent Mark Skinner School. Today it has ball fields, basketball courts, a playground and community gardens. It has no dog area of its own, so off-leash play stays on the 569 side of the street.

Hours and timing

The Park District lists hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. The volunteer group’s own site doesn’t list hours, so treat the Park District’s as the official ones. The group’s weekend events, such as the Howl-O-Ween party, run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Other dog parks near the West Loop

Browse all Chicago dog parks for more neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the West Loop 569 dog park?

The Park District lists Park No. 569 at 0.46 acres, and the volunteer group calls it a half-acre play area.

Does the West Loop 569 dog park have water and shade?

Yes. The volunteer group lists water features and splash pools, plus tree-shaded walkways and canopy sun shades.

What are the hours of the 569 dog park?

The Park District lists 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Do I need a permit for the West Loop 569 dog park?

Yes. It’s a Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Area, so each dog needs a DFA tag.

Who runs the West Loop 569 Bark Park?

The Park District owns the park. A volunteer group, The West Loop 569 Bark Park, funds its maintenance through donations and organizes cleanups and events.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Park No. 569, Park No. 569 Dog Friendly Area, Skinner (Mark) Park and Dog Friendly Areas pages; The West Loop 569 Bark Park home, donations, volunteer and events pages. Park details change, so check before you go.

Lakeshore East Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Lakeshore East Dog Park, Chicago: Enclosed Run in a Downtown Park

The Lakeshore East dog park is a small, enclosed off-leash run on the southern edge of Lake Shore East Park, at 450 E. Benton Place in the Loop’s Near East Side. At a tenth of an acre, it works best for a short play break rather than a long session. It’s a convenient stop if you’re staying in the towers that ring the park.

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What the Lakeshore East dog park is like

The Chicago Park District lists it as the Lake Shore East Dog Friendly Area: 0.10 acres, “located along the southern edge of the park,” with a doggie drinking fountain. Magellan Development, which built the surrounding neighborhood and donated the park, describes it as “an enclosed dog park.”

That’s what official and primary sources confirm. The Park District doesn’t publish the surface, the fence height or whether there’s a separate space for small dogs, so check those on arrival if they matter for your dog. For a sense of scale, a tenth of an acre is roughly 4,400 square feet. A dog that needs room to sprint may be happier at a bigger run.

Quick facts

  • Address: 450 E. Benton Place, Chicago, IL 60601
  • Location in the park: along the southern edge
  • Size: 0.10 acres
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily (park hours)
  • Fencing: enclosed
  • Water: doggie drinking fountain
  • Permit: Chicago Park District DFA tag

Like every Park District dog area, it’s tag-only: each dog needs a current DFA permit from a participating vet, and our Chicago city guide explains how visitors get one.

About Lake Shore East Park

The dog area sits inside Lake Shore East Park (officially Park No. 546), a 5.09-acre green space at Benton Place and Field Boulevard. The Park District says it was created as part of a planned development, and the developers donated it to the Park District in 2004. Magellan says Mayor Daley dedicated the park to the city on July 16, 2005.

The park was designed by landscape architect James Burnett’s firm with Chicago’s Site Design Group. World-Architects calls it the heart of the 28-acre Lakeshore East development. Magellan describes stairway terraces, a grand staircase, cascading water features and gardens planted with hundreds of varieties of trees and plants.

Beyond the dog run, the Park District lists a tots playground, a water spray feature, a formal garden, and paths and trails. There’s no structured programming here; the Park District points people to nearby Maggie Daley Park for classes and events.

Getting there and when to go

Use 450 E. Benton Place for directions. With the stairway terraces and grand staircase Magellan describes, some routes into the park involve steps, which is worth knowing with an older dog.

The Park District lists park hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day and doesn’t give separate hours for the dog area. The run’s fountain is the only dog water the Park District lists here.

Other dog parks near downtown

The Lakeshore East dog park is the smallest of the downtown options. If you want more space:

Or browse all Chicago dog parks.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lakeshore East dog park fenced?

Yes. Magellan Development describes it as an enclosed dog park, and it’s a designated Park District Dog Friendly Area on the southern edge of Lake Shore East Park.

Do I need a permit for the Lakeshore East dog park?

Yes. Each dog needs a Chicago Park District DFA tag, sold through participating vets. The city guide covers the details for visitors.

How big is the Lakeshore East dog park?

The Park District lists it at 0.10 acres, a small run in a park of just over five acres. For more room, the Grant Park run is larger.

Is there water for dogs at Lakeshore East Park?

The Park District lists a doggie drinking fountain in the dog area. It doesn’t list other dog water in the park, so bring your own for the walk.

What are the Lakeshore East dog park hours?

Lake Shore East Park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The Park District doesn’t list separate hours for the dog area.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Lake Shore East Dog Friendly Area, Lake Shore East Park (Park No. 546) and Dog Friendly Areas pages; Magellan Development, The Park at Lakeshore East; World-Architects, OJB at Lakeshore East. Park details change, so check before you go.

Bartelme Park Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Bartelme Park Dog Park, Chicago: Sunken Dog Run in the West Loop

The Bartelme Park dog park is a sunken dog run inside Mary Bartelme Park at 115 S. Sangamon St. in Chicago’s West Loop. Instead of a flat pen, it has artificial grass, ramps and ledges to climb, and an oversized bowl that keeps refilling itself, which makes it a good pick for dogs that like to explore.

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Inside the Bartelme Park dog park

The Chicago Park District describes it as “a sunken dog park that is complete with a continuously filling, over-sized dog bowl, ramps, ledges, steps, and artificial canine grass.” The Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council lists the sunken dog park as one of the park’s distinct zones.

That set-up gives dogs more to do than a flat run. Climbers can work the ramps and ledges, and the self-filling bowl means you don’t have to rely on a push-button fountain.

The Park District doesn’t publish the dog area’s size, fencing details or whether there’s a separate area for small dogs, so we’ve left those out.

Quick facts

  • Address: 115 S. Sangamon St., Chicago, IL 60607 (Sangamon and Adams)
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
  • Layout: sunken run with ramps, ledges and steps
  • Surface: artificial canine grass
  • Water: continuously filling oversized dog bowl
  • Permit: Chicago Park District DFA tag

Your dog needs a Park District DFA tag to use the run, and our Chicago city guide covers where to get one.

Mary Bartelme Park beyond the dog run

The Park District lists Mary Bartelme Park at 2.71 acres in the Near West Side community area. It was “formerly the site of an old infirmary.” The Park District acquired the land in 2006 and named the park in 2010. ABC7 Chicago reported the new park at Sangamon and Adams on August 19, 2010, and paver supplier Unilock also dates the opening to August 2010.

The park was designed by Site Design Group for the Chicago Park District. According to the designers, salvaged terracotta from the former infirmary was built into the seat walls and planting areas. Permeable paving and underground infiltration handle stormwater, managing up to a 100-year storm. The Landscape Architecture Foundation’s case study puts the budget at $3.1 million, excluding land.

Its best-known feature is at the northwest entry: five twisted stainless-steel gates that spray a fine mist on hot days. The Park District says they use only three gallons a minute. There’s also an ADA-accessible playground, an open lawn, a nature garden, an enclosed seating area and a viewing hill up to six feet high with skyline views.

Who was Mary Bartelme?

The Park District calls Mary Bartelme (1866–1954) “the first woman judge in Illinois.” She was born near Fulton and Halsted streets, not far from the park, and spent her career reforming how courts treated children and women. The Park District credits her with helping to establish America’s first juvenile court in 1899.

What to know before you go

The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. The Park District doesn’t list separate hours for the dog area.

Keep your dog on a leash outside the sunken run. The Landscape Architecture Foundation’s case study found that dog urine damaged plants along a six-foot strip next to the sidewalks, and it noted ongoing conflicts over off-leash dogs and waste in the rest of the park. Using the run for off-leash play, and keeping dogs out of the planting beds, helps keep the park dog-friendly.

Local questions about the park go to the Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council, a volunteer group that works with the Park District. It meets once a month and posts updates at westlooppark.com.

Nearby dog parks

For more options, see all Chicago dog parks and dog-friendly things to do in Chicago.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bartelme Park dog park fenced?

The Park District doesn’t describe the fencing. It lists a sunken dog park set apart as a designated Dog Friendly Area, so check the gates on arrival if a secure enclosure matters.

What surface does the Bartelme Park dog park have?

The Park District says it has artificial canine grass, along with ramps, ledges and steps.

Is there water for dogs at Bartelme Park?

Yes. The run has a continuously filling, oversized dog bowl. The park also has misting gates at its northwest entry for hot days.

Do I need a permit for the Bartelme Park dog park?

Yes. Every dog needs a Chicago Park District DFA tag. See the city guide for how to get one.

What are the Bartelme Park dog park hours?

Mary Bartelme Park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Chicago Park District Bartelme (Mary) Park, Bartelme (Mary) Dog Friendly Area and Dog Friendly Areas pages; Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council; Site Design Group; Landscape Architecture Foundation, Landscape Performance Series case study; ABC7 Chicago, 19 Aug 2010; Unilock, Aug 2010. Park details change, so check before you go.

Fred Anderson Dog Park in Chicago — illustration of dogs playing at the off-leash area (not a photo)

Fred Anderson Dog Park, Chicago: Turf Runs, Tunnel and Shade

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

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.