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
- Bartelme Park dog park: roughly half a mile east at Sangamon and Adams, a sunken run with ramps, ledges and a self-filling bowl.
- Grant Park dog park: downtown’s big run near Museum Campus.
- Lakeshore East dog park: a small enclosed run in a landscaped downtown park.
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.