Dog Walkers in Greater Grand Crossing

When walking residential or commercial areas of this region with your dog, residents may experience inclement weather depending on the season. Spring can be quite rainy due to the proximity to Lake Michigan and spring thunderstorms, sometimes severe, can occur. Check local weather forecasts before venturing out on foot and be prepared with rain gear and an umbrella. Winters in Chicago are often frigid, snowy, and require warm outerwear.  If your dog is short coated, he may need doggy boots and a coat to stay warm too!

Plenty of major rail lines still exist in this region with large train tracks running through the community and along the northeast border. There are also two major freeways running through the community including the Dan Ryan Expressway and Chicago Skyway which create barriers to pedestrians in the neighborhood who must use pedestrian bridges to traverse these large highways. 

The terrain in Greater Grand Crossing is flat and is comprised of the residential neighborhoods of Grand Crossing, Park Manor, Brookline, Brookdale, and Essex. Many houses in this area feature unique historic architecture and this well-developed region has mature landscaping and lots of historic buildings both commercial and residential. There has not been a lot of new development in recent decades and homes and businesses in the area are usually older buildings. The community is laid out a grid pattern and there are several playgrounds, parks, and the  very large Oak Wood cemetery located here.

The Grand Crossing Park, named for the community, consists of 17 acres with green areas, sports facilities, community buildings, athletic fields,  a spray park and playground, and paved paths for residents in the area to navigate the park. There are plenty of playgrounds dotted throughout Greater Grand Crossing and, in fact, Chicago has a policy of ensuring there is a playground within a 10-minute walk of all residents with children. 

Other larger parks in the neighborhood include Hoard Park and Meyering Park which both feature athletic fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, and other sports facilities. Residents of Greater Grand Crossing who are looking for a 'grand' greenway experience can easily access Jackson Park to the northeast. This large park features open lawns, trees, trails, and facilities, but most importantly to nature-loving, energetic, canines, access to the Chicago Lakefront Trail and its 18-mile greenway along Lake Michigan that extends to the north.