I really like this dog park, if it wasn't for that guy trying to give me a 20 minute "orientation" i probably would've given it 5 stars. This guy is insisting that he is NOT the owner, but then again he's trolling for praise for creating it and maintaining it. It's a great park and the agility course is unique to chicago, but when I go to the park I want to relax and play with my dog, not be lectured and directed to start cleaning. I go to the this particular dog park probably twice a year, but that just really left a bad taste in my mouth. And while my dog was having a great time splashing in the water, he came and dumped them out 'because they were too dirty' -- they were not. I'm a vet tech so I talk to pet owners all day every day, and talking down to people like they are unintelligent is not the way to do so. I would've gladly helped out if I was approached differently. My dogs pads also got torn up :/ concrete isn't he best for paw pads or joints. read more

Amazing park very clean and friendly environment. Please keep #jacksonpark open been told there is a chance it may close devastating to me. The best park I've seen in the city of Chicago. read more

Wow. This dog park is amazing- coolest one I've seen in the city with a big focus on safety. We are dog sitting for the weekend, and our friends dog LOVED it! read more

Great park! Lots of obstacles and interactions for my dogs. First time for us, but we will be back! Even though our dog is little he had a great time. We really value all the hard work Todd has done for dogs on the south side!! read more

Jackson Bark - Dog Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Lots of space and fun structures for the dogs to play on. Love the community run aspect of this park. Safety features here are great. Really glad to have this in my community. read more

This place should be the example of what dog park should be about. The vibe in this place is very inviting and what makes it even better is that you have Tod interacting with each group of people to feel welcomed. read more

My dog and I have been to this dog park twice now. Both times, the area is well kept and full of many creative activities for dogs and owners. It's a superb dog park. We'll definitely be back again. read more

Jackson Bark is a hidden gem. It it fully enclosed, well maintained and has tons of activities. This is just the place for young dogs and puppies with tons of energy like mine. read more

We had our first visit here today and loved it! Our dog had a ball- but we loved how clean the park was and how many cool details were available. Time out areas, first aid kits, poop bags, toys- FREE with great parking- amazing fun! read more

Jackson bark is an awesome dog park!! Finally a dog park on the south side. We will most definitely make this our go to dog park.

Jackson Bark is by far the coolest dog park I've ever seen. My family and our pup absolutely love it. This place has everything you could want and more and it's just what the neighborhood needs. We're so grateful to the community for maintaining this special place. read more

Jackson Bark is a great community Southside dog park! It is very well maintained and a great place to bring your pup. They have lots of fun agility challenges to practice with your dog too, if you choose! read more

This is by far the best dog park in the city. It is a space for both, people and canines to be themselves and be part of the community

This dog park is a gem, the only one on the south side and I've never seen one with so many features and amenities. It's huge, has tons of things for pups to play with and space to run around, water to drink and water to swim in, and a sense of community both among pups and people. Love it. read more

I started to bring my eleven year old German Shepard to the Bark about a month ago to help her with her loneliness and she's loves it!! She gets excited when we start to make the walk to the Bark. I recently adopted a very timid and fearful puppy, Logan and she thrived her first day there today! I never so her so alive. They have everything we need to care for our pets from poop bags to water. I like this place so much and look forward to taking my girls every weekend. Thank you Jackson Bark!!! read more

Best. Dog Park. Ever. We take our dog here almost every day since moving to Chicago. It is totally worth it to drive down here no matter where you live in the city. The community of people around this park is awesome and the dogs are always well behaved. I love that there are obstacle courses for the dogs, kiddie pools to stay cool, and toys throughout the place! Best dog park in the city for sure and much needed for the south side! read more

I've been looking for agility classes for my dog, but unfortunately they really haven't fit with our schedule. I'm so glad that I can bring her here to work on some new challenges. I've taken her here once so far and she loved getting treats for trying new stuff. She was so proud to show me that she could do it and of course expected a treat. read more

Thank you Todd and Charlie, I met you both a couple of weeks ago when I was bringing my adopted pit-bull mix to Jackson Bark. I am so grateful for this park due to when I have to board Nikko when I travel he is not allowed to mingle with the other dogs and most dog parks are open spaces that are not fenced in and I do not allow Nikko loose due the the fear I see with the other dog owners but Jackson Bark is enclosed and he can run freely, There plenty of toys and an obstacle course to keep Nikko occupy and water provided so he won't become dehydrated after running around.This place is always clean and neat so once again Thank you. read more

This dog park is amazing. It's super clean, has tons of awesome obstacles and toys, and there's even extra poop bags and water in case you forget to bring some. If you have a chance, you should definitely check this dog park out. read more

This place is a great hidden gem. My dog loves it, even though he's too chicken to use any of the course stuff. He loves being social with whoever is in the park and we usually catch Todd and Charlie. Todd has put in a lot of work on making this a fun little gem for dogs and their owners. He's to be commended for all his work and I hope the park district continues to do what they've been doing regarding this park.....nothing. Leave it as it is. It's fun to come and see who is there for my dog to romp around with. Love, love this place! Thanks Todd!! :) read more

This place is great...much needed in the Southside/Hyde park area. Very clean...plenty of toys and agility courses to tire out dogs...

I had the pleasure of taking my dog to this park and it was great! On the way there, I initially got lost, but no big deal, I called the number listed on Yelp and received excellent directions from Todd. When I got there, he was Very welcoming and informative. He provided me with a tour of the grounds and briefed me on entertainment and safety instructions for visitors and their dogs. I was Very impressed with All the work he'd done in his efforts to build a top notch Dog Park for south siders. He thought of Everything. From a water station, to toys, obstacle courses, leashes, seating and shading areas, poop bags, a time out area for dogs, a security area, emergency exits and cleanliness of the grounds. It helps to take a few moments of your time to listen to his presentation when he's there. PLEASE don't give much attention to those few negative reviews posted. I didn't experience any of those issues and there were several dogs present, all breeds and sizes. All friendly and playful. But to put it to a close, My dog and I enjoyed the outing and would definitely return. read more

I just moved here from California where my dog was used to having a lot of space to run around and play and there were tons of dog parks near us. Having just moved to a small apartment in Chicago, I've been looking for a safe place where she can be off leash and enjoy the company of other dogs. Jackson Bark is an amazing place and she loves it there! Not only are there a ton of toys, but the obstacle courses that are set up are a great way to keep your dog active and having a great time. I'm so glad there's something like this so close to us and I will definitely be coming back often! read more

We have a middle size, high energy puppy who LOVES to play with dogs. Jackson Bark is a dream for her. And for us, the owners, too! After spending amazing party time with buddies, she stays so relaxed, almost dormant for the rest of the day. We meet many owners there, and they are all nice. We have tried there only a couple of times because of the weather. Can't wait that Spring is coming! read more

I stumbled on Jackson Bark while out running and was surprised and happy! The people there were welcoming and responsible - I am still socializing my rescue dog with other dogs and got some good advice and had some nice safe interactions. When I went back at night to explore on our own, my pup loved the obstacles! It is so thoughtfully laid out with "plates" of tennis balls on tables, the "bar" watering station, poop bags if you forget, and the cool construction theme. So much work went into making this and it shows! I'm looking forward to being part of the community that uses it and keeps it running. read more

Awesome, Awesome dog park!! This guy put a lot of love, thought and effort into this place and it shows and I couldn't be more appreciative. My puppy had a blast and I love that not only did he get exercise but he was mentally stimulated as well so, between the social interaction, the agility obstacles and the toys...my puppy was tired out and super happy when we left. If I could, I'd be at this park with my puppy every day but I live far so this will have to be a treat for my dog. If you're looking for a fun, safe and mentally stimulating place for your dog...look no further!!! I highly recommend this dog park and I'll be taking my puppy to this dog park up until his old age!!! read more

Saw this place while doing some photography for work. I brought my dog there who loves agility stuff because I thought she'd have fun. The facility is a converted tennis court that is now essentially a playpen for anarchist squatter dogs. The city has not sanctioned the use of the space as a dog park so the owner... er uh not owner... relies on visitors to post quality reviews and photos to show the city how the community enjoys the park so that they don't take it away. And had my experience there ended well, I'd have done exactly that. But non-owner Todd made his entrance just as we were ready to leave and completely butchered what would have been a solid three star review. Todd is the guy who put this park together. He came over with an assertive and assumptive opening line to the effect of, "This your first time here? Well I'll tell you the backstory" - all the grace and composition that one could learn at a five day Wisconsin retreat for novice salesmen. Once we got a history lesson, my girlfriend, a lawyer, attempted to engage in the conversation by talking about the possible legal benefits afforded as a result of the length of time the dog park has been established in the community. Big mistake. Todd knows all and he quickly invalidated anything she said despite admittedly not knowing much about it. During this would-be conversation (which was really just a monologue), my dog had dropped a deuce along the fence. I immediately retrieved it and was abruptly stopped by Todd as he pointed out more feces. I have no problem picking up dog dump but I did want him to know that I wasn't being a lazy owner and that I had picked up after my dog. "That's not my dog's, just so you know", I said. Queue lesson #2. "Well here's what I have to say about that...", he started. Great. So by simply ensuring Todd that I had picked up after my dog, I had inadvertently volunteered myself for a lesson in parasites. Cool, bro. That's why I pick up after my dog. I've owned dogs for 30 years. I could probably teach you something but please, impress us with your self-made status as a cut-rate veterinarian/lawyer/photographer/landscape designer. You're probably confused about those last two job titles. During the talking (and talking and never listening and talking), he told us how people who come to the park do the bare minimum - how no one takes any initiative, how they don't post photos and when they do, they're terribly composed. They don't even read his posts and request silly things like pea gravel pits which cost a lot of money to install and maintain. Silly patrons. Todd evidently thinks you're all morons. Unfortunately, he was talking to an actual lawyer and a landscape photographer, with a combined 40 years of experience owning dogs. Pea gravel costs about as much as a decent quality mulch and if designed properly, the gravel would simply need to be raked level from time to time. My dog came home with bloody paws and has been limping all week, so perhaps a more forgiving hardscape wouldn't be such a bad idea. It's no wonder he's having trouble empowering the community. That's a little hard to do while you're actively belittling them. If you live in the area and want a place to take your dog to socialize, give it a shot. If you're met by a guy who wants to tell you the backstory of Jackson Bark, walk away while you still that a three star review. read more

This is a great place for dogs to socialize & a great addition to the neighborhood! There is nothing like it on the south side or in the city. Also, there are two separate fenced in areas if your dog is adjusting to socialization. read more

Jackson Bark is not only the best dog park I've ever been to, but also the only one within walking distance of my home. Gertie (my dog) is a 1 year old rescue that can't be trusted off leash, so Jackson Bark is the only place to get out her puppy energy safely. Also, I'm new to Chicago and Jackson Bark has been the easiest place to meet new people and feel a part of the community. Highly recommend to anyone and is worth the trip for even those in North Chicago as well! So thankful for Jackson Bark! read more

Amazing dog agility/obstacle park! My lab LOVED it. What a great, safe, clean, (and free!) neighborhood place for dogs to play. Love the fact that dog owners can donate old toys, ect. So there's a ton of variety in the way of toys, obstacles, running space, ect. Even has sections where your dog can be isolated from other dogs if need be, while still playing. Thanks Todd! read more

Great park for dogs in the south side. Better than the parks in the north side. The obstacles your dog can enjoy and old toys brings new life for new dogs that come to the park. First time there this weekend and my shy dog had an amazing time playing with other dogs/their owners. I absolutely love that park!! I highly recommend this park for you and your four legged children/child. read more

We LOVE Jackson Bark. While a little hard to find at first, it offers a vast dog park with the bonus of mental and physical stimulation. There is a lot of agility-type equipment, all consistent with the road construction theme (very clever). Not your typical dog park. Free parking and quick access off of Lakeshore Drive. read more

Jackson Bark is a great place to take the pups. Clean and well maintained, friendly people. Its a great park, we are so lucky to have it here on the near Southside! read more

Awesome place to take our pup for some stimulating exercise off leash. Really amazing what he's done with old road signs and other industrial pieces. read more

Great dog park!! The largest in the city- tons of room to play and cool agility training items for the dogs to explore. What a fun, neighborhood vibe. read more

I took a tour of this wonderful dog park today and was so happy to see such thoughtful attention given to all aspects of fulfilling my dog's wants and needs. There are so many different play/agility features, rest/drink "pub" areas, choices for sociability or not, a thoughtful first aid station, plenty of complimentary clean-up scoops and bags, and all covering a large area that doesn't feel cluttered or crammed at all. I was so impressed with the creativity, inventiveness, and homemade charm evident in the creation and maintenance of this free and very beneficial public space. If you want to see an example of what can be produced with the passion within a community itself, all with volunteer labor from my understanding, come on down and bring your best furry friend with you! It's apparent that Todd, the business manager, has put so much time and effort into this Doggy Disneyland out of love for the canine clients themselves. read more

Huge open area, clean and the only place in Hyde Park that's fenced in. Todd is great! Would recommend to any dog owner. Toys, obstacles, shaded areas, a dog pool and bags. read more

This place is fantastic. Todd has really done a major service for us dog-owners of the South Side, neglected by the Chicago Park Service. He has taken otherwise unused space, devoted his own time and energy (and money) to making a fantastic space for dog fun and exercise. I recommend all dog owners to drop by and join the fun. There is water, agility courses, toys, balls, poopie bags--even peroxide for injured paws. As others have noted, it is also extremely clean. A great, great location that I hope the City will make official at some point. read more

The owner of this park is the one who has ruined it for me. My first time there, me and my dog went early in the morning when no one was out and I let my dog play and enjoy himself. Right before I was about to leave the owner and his dog came and I told him we would leave because my dog is very protective of me. The owner said no stay stay and him and his dog played right outside the gate, so me and my dog couldn't leave!!! And I asked him if he could just go to the side so me and my dog could leave and he kept telling me to stay when I didn't want to stay. Then he threw the tennis ball near the gate where my dog was standing and his dog ran to the gate too and the two of them broke through the gate and got into a fight! I told him so many times to just let us leave, but instead he decided to torment my dog right on the other side of the gate!!! This guy is a complete ass hole!!! And his huge dog injured my medium size dog. I will never be back here, and I hope you guys don't come when the owner is there. read more

My pup Blue and I recently moved to Chicago from California. We've explored our fair share of dog parks in the city, and luckily Jackson Bark (which is closest to us) is by far the COOLEST dog park around! Todd single handedly built this place over the past year and a half, to help South Side pet parents like myself have a place for their pup to socialize and exercise safely. The obstacles here are awesome--not only for dogs but also people. There's a water station, shade, time out area, pooper scoopers, community board, literally everything you need! Todd put a lot of care, time and thought into this. If you're a first timer and Todd is there, he will share his story with you of how he built this place. As a community, we should do our part in supporting it either through toy donations or cleaning up. He doesn't want money, just participation and community. Blue and I really love being a part of the JB crew. read more