Chicago Park District, River Park Dog Park
Chicago’s River Park Dog Park is located at 5100 N. Francisco within the very large park known as River Park. It is about the only Chicago Dog Park located in the far NW part of the city. This park is within Lincoln Square and also serves North Park and Albany Park.
It is one of the smaller city dog areas I have visited. Within River Park, it is located just south of the swimming pool. As you may guess by the name, this park is adjacent to the north branch of the Chicago River. I would call this a very mellow, pleasant and well maintained Dog Park. Surface is mostly asphalt and has the usual gravel potty areas. Small children and rambunctious dogs should not be confined together in a small area such as this park, kids are likely to get knocked over and hurt.
I visited on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and there were very few other dog visitors, made me wonder if this park is underutilized. We, my dog and I, really enjoyed our visit.
I was a frequent visitor to the park - earlier in the year when I first got my dog. Since that time, I have noticed that many people who frequent the park do not pick up their dog waste. The gravel area is just sickening. The big slab of concrete often causes the dogs foot pads to bleed.
Why cant we form a volunteer committee to beautify and clean the park. Many times the water fountain doesnt work and the dogs are just scorching in the sun. The only shade is in the gravel area that is just filled with dog feces.