Dog Walkers in Washington Park, Chicago

Washington Park is one of Chicago's 77 community areas and is located on the south side of the city. The large park is now an ample green space with recreation facilities and the DuSable Museum of African American History. Many social and sporting events take place in the community's park and events provide an interesting walking destination for area residents. There are not many commercial establishments in Washington Park and residents, including pet owners, generally need to travel outside the community to access shops, restaurants, businesses, and pet services. 

Residents with canine household members that walk the neighborhood's residential streets will find that Chicago's weather can be variable. There are many sunny, hot days in summer, but humidity can also be an issue. Autumn usually has fair, stable weather and lots of pleasant walking conditions, however, winter can be very cold for walking and spring can be very wet. Be prepared with appropriate outerwear in these seasons.

The area's population, however, has declined in recent decades and there are many undeveloped squares of land and empty lots in the neighborhood. These open areas may make ideal places for your dog to play, however, check undeveloped land for hazards and trespassing regulations before venturing on them with your furry friend.

Washington Park is a sizeable 370-acre park on the eastern edge of the neighborhood. This park provides plenty of open green spaces, lawns, and shady trees with walking paths for people and their pets to enjoy. The park also provides sports facilities, recreation facilities, and athletic fields to both the Washington Park district and other adjacent communities. The park is connected to the Midway Plaisance: a long, narrow strip of green space 1-mile long by 220 yards wide that features paved pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Washington Park also boasts a lagoon, playgrounds, and spray parks. The park and adjacent Midway host many special and sporting events in summers that attract visitors to this greenway and provide interest for locals and their canines. Another smaller, local park, Lorraine Hansberry Park, includes green space and a playground for families in Washington Park to relax and take in some green space right in this urban neighborhood.