Logan Square Dog Park

I went to the Logan Square Dog Park for the first time on 12÷6÷15. I have a tiny 5 lb dog, so I was interested in this park’s separated «big dog» and «small dog» sections. I’m happy to report that the dog owners were very aware of the separate areas, and no one brought a «big dog» into the «small dog» area. If you have a small dog, I’d highly recommend this dog park!

This dog park has just been built out by the city after having signs for the last 2 years claiming that a new dog park was in the works. To say the neighborhood has been anxiously awaiting the opening is an understatement. All the pup parents have been buzzing since construction started and the park has not disappointed!
They created separate small dog and big dog areas which is fantastic, especially for people like me who’s dog has stereotypes against certain breeds of larger dogs for reasons yet to be understood, thus limiting our odds of success in a typical dog park.
This is one of the largest, if not the largest dog park in the city. We’ve seen pups piling out of cars coming to check it out from all over. They even had a grand opening party complete with neighborhood vendors (shout out to Salon Dog!), food trucks, and a DJ! I love a neighborhood that loves and celebrates its dog community!

It’s not my favorite dog park to go to, but it’s a great start and it’s fantastic that the neighborhood finally has one.
The good: Split sections for small dogs and large dogs is a really nice touch. It’s also nice that they’ve got a water hose, a kiddie pool on each side (assuming they stay past the grand opening), and for the time being everything is shiny and new — so the fences, gates, etc look solid.
Constructive criticism: The areas off of the concrete are filled with small pebbles. I’m not a dog park architect but I don’t feel like that was the ideal choice. They don’t seem to cause the pups any problems but they sure make a mess when a pack of dogs sprints through them — probably a bit much for cleanup. Something softer, preferably a substrate where dogs could go potty, would be ideal in my layperson mind.
Hopefully over time and with some donations from the public they can add a few small amenities like a poop bag dispenser (you shouldn’t HAVE to provide them, but there will inevitably be people who don’t have them), a couple of areas for shade, and maybe a softer substrate than those pebbles would be great.
Still, it’s a nice dog park and it’s exciting to have something in the neighborhood.

It’s a real park now!
Today was the grand opening, and of course it was chaos, with conga lines of dogs smelling each other’s butts. I could tell that the people who organized the event, and likely vied to open the park really love dogs. The park is clean, interestingly-​shaped, and chocful of nice neighborhood dogs. I can’t wait to drag my dog here a few days a week and just relax and on a bench while she sprints like a lunatic.

The dog park is not technically a dog park yet. Right now it’s an open area that is being maintained by some very nice people who live near the open lot. This area has been used as a dumping site for many years and is frequented by homeless people. Many volunteers visit the park often to pick up trash, glass and debris but it’s a huge undertaking and we need the support of the Logan Square Community.
The Chicago Park District has plans to begin construction on the park soon and they are holding a public meeting to show the architectural plans to the community. The meeting is on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 6 pm at Haas Park.
If you plan to visit the open lot that is the future site of the dog park, please be careful. If you have ideas, comments, questions or concerns, please attend the public meeting to share them with us.
Kim Pool
Secretary
Logan Square Dog Park Committee