Best Dog Parks In Chicago
By Rachel Azark
No worries if you find that your apartment barely has enough breathing room for you and Fido. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs have plenty of "dog friendly areas" where you two can go outdoors and take in the fresh air and get some exercise. It is to be noted though that these dog friendly areas in the city now require a permit. The permits are $35 plus $15 for each additional dog and can be purchased at participating veterinarians. If you do not have a permit at a dog park you can be fined up to $1000.
Wiggly Field
2645 N. Sheffield Ave.
Chicago, IL 60686
Phone: 773-348-2832
Is your dog a northside Cubs fan? Maybe he'd enjoy hanging out with other fans at Wiggly Field. This public dog park has fencing to keep them all in one spot, doggie water fountains, waste bags and a double gate to prevent that one dog who is trying to escape because the grass is greener on the other side.
Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge Dog Park
5901 S. County Line Rd.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: 630-789-7000
If you live out in the western suburbs this is a huge park with rolling hills that will definitely wear out your fluffy friend. Dogs are allowed to run and play off leash here during designated hours at a fenced dog park. The park includes a grassy area and a small stream to pounce in.
Whalon Lake Dog Park
1480 Royce Rd.
Naperville, IL
Phone: 815-727-8700
If you live even farther west, Whalon Lake has a dog park that is open from 6 a.m. to sunset April through October or 8 a.m. to sunset November through March. You must contact them for their fee schedule for attending the park. They offer an 8-acre fenced in park. It also features a smaller 2.5 acre park for dogs under 30 pounds so your little guy doesn't get trampled by the Great Dane. The park provides benches and shelters for humans.
West Loop Dog Park
100 S. Peoria
(Between Randolph St. and Washington Blvd.)
Chicago, IL 60607
A clean dog park that is full of friendly people. They offer mostly concrete areas for dogs to run around in, but also have a few grassy areas. They have two kiddie pools that can be filled for those really hot dog days of summer. And the best thing, a basket of tennis balls at the gate when you come in. If your dog is looking for fun they even have a water fountain for them to play in.
Churchill Dog Park
1825 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
www.churchilldogs.com
At Churchill they believe that "being a city dog doesn't have to be ruff." This is more of a concrete park with hopes to be the greenest dog park in the city. There is lots of room to run around, a wading pool, water bowls, lots of dogs and even more tennis balls.
Do you have a favorite dog park in the city? Share with us in the comments section your favorite places to go with your fuzzy friend.
Rachel Azark is a writer and lives in Chicago. Read more of her work on her blog parksandpancakes.com.
