Old Irving Park started its life in Chicago as farmland in the mid-1800s and has since gained train tracks, a station, and an expressway that cuts the old neighborhood in half. Today, the area is still home to nice homes which are lined with plenty of grass and trees. Pet supplies can be found close at hand with easy access to a pet store. Grooming facilities for your pup's spa date are also close at hand and if your best friend should need it, veterinarian services are available.
Weather is perfect for walking in the spring and fall. Early morning strolls will take the sting out of the heat that is common mid-summer while winter walks might be a bit more challenging. While there are days when it is likely that walking will be possible, you are just as likely to have at least a few days when the weather is not fit for man or beast.
If you love to walk over the flat ground on clean sidewalks and enjoy the nicely cut grass and ample shade from the resident trees, then you will find walking in much of Old Irving Park pleasant. There are plenty of trees and grass on the sides of most of the roads in the neighborhood. If you are looking for something more challenging, your options are a bit more limited. Chicago is flat and hill climbing is not something familiar to the locals here unless it happens in a gym! So if you want more than a stroll, lace up your running shoes and get your pup moving! Increased distance and pace will make up for the lack of elevation changes. Keep your eye out for some of the architecture that still exists in the area. Most of the old homes have been torn down, but there are still a few beautiful buildings you won’t want to miss!
Unfortunately, such an old area is lacking in greenways with the only park in the area being Kolmar Playlot Park. In fact, there are really not a lot of parks in the surrounding areas either. However, about two miles away from Old Irving Park, you will find Gompers Park and the start of the North Branch Trail which runs north and west for miles along the north branch of the Chicago River. This is the perfect place to go if you have had enough of the city and want a touch of nature not too far from home. The trail goes on for miles, so it is great for energetic pups and their owners. There is also a picnic area and a playground. There are a few other smaller parks and greenways that are about the same distance out which may be a bit too far to walk to but only a quick drive in the car.