Dog Walkers in Garfield Ridge

Garfield Ridge is one of Chicago's 77 community areas located on the southwest side of the city. This mostly residential neighborhood has a relatively young population, residing in single-family homes adjacent to the Midway International Airport on the southeast corner of the community. Archer Avenue provides access to the airport and is dotted with commercial businesses and services. Residents in Garfield Ridge can reach this centrally located main avenue on foot and take in the retail shops, eateries, and services while strolling with their dogs for a change of pace from the residential streets. There is even a veterinarian located along Archer Avenue.

If you are fond of walking in this neighborhood, you and your pup will experience a variety of weather throughout the year, not all of it pleasant. Winters are cold and snowy, springs are rainy, and summers can be very hot and humid. Autumns is beautiful with stable weather and changing leaves on trees. 

Garfield Ridge takes the latter part of its name from a slight rise in terrain located in the neighborhood. However, most of Garfield Ridge is relatively flat for walking and the elevation change is not strenuous to navigate, nor does is present an impediment to traveling on foot. Most residential streets in the neighborhood are laid out in a simple grid pattern with single-family homes that are moderately setback from roads. Alleys present a tempting walking location for residents with dogs but watch out for cars backing out of driveways that can't see pedestrians and their pooches.  

The Midway Airport is located in the southwest corner of Garfield Ridge and traffic traveling along streets to access the airport may be less aware of local pedestrians so keep your dog leashed and close at hand to avoid traffic. The airport and the industrial area along the north border are less pedestrian-friendly areas than quieter residential streets.

There are several parks located in Garfield Ridge providing green spaces and greenways for area canines. The Stars and Stripes Park has a playground, spray feature, volleyball court, and ball field, and is located in the north of the community. Normandy Park provides 2 acres of recreational space with lots of sports activities and facilities. Wentworth Park is more extensive with 15 acres and also features an indoor pool and athletic fields as well as an ice rink. 

Valley Forge provides 7 acres of recreational area with a fieldhouse that has a unique 'green'  feature. The roof is vegetated and uses rainwater for irrigation. There are also lawns, trees, and sports facilities for pedestrians and pets in the area to stroll through and rest in the shade. On the southeast corner, shared with the Cleaning Community and adjacent to the airport, is the 9-acre Minuteman Park which offers a Harvest Garden to visit along with recreational opportunities.