Washington Square Park — Attraction in Chicago

Washington Square Park is a historic Chicago Park that is one block in area but is wonderful for the community. Many people from surrounding areas bring their dogs. The center is a fountain surrounded by beautiful flowers during the warm season and decorated with lights during the holidays. Around the fountain area is a smallish paved area with some benches. The rest of the park is some big beautiful trees and lots of grass. There are paved pathways from the park corners to reach the center, or cross through the park while commuting. Many parents and kids play here as well as dogs and it really is a little gem in the middle of the city. Located directly in front of Newbury Library just adds to the old school feel of the place. Additionally, it is only a ten minute walk to Hancock Building as well as Bloomingdale's and Water Tower Place for shopping. Historically, the park was called Bughouse Square where politicians used to stand on boxes and preach their beliefs to those who would listen. On a nice day, it's lovely to grab a coffee or tea from the Starbucks down the street on Delaware Place and come to Washington Square Park to enjoy the weather, see some cute dogs, people watch, or just read a book among the greenery. It's a very family friendly park, but also for adults, I've seen people doing yoga in small groups as well as solo, some sunbathing and napping, and some people relaxing while reading under a tree. I love this park and think it's location is...

Giving this rating was disappointing because this is such a well located and scenic park. The issue is mainly the dogs who are constantly running around loose. As you can see by my tag name, I am a big dog lover and have a Labrador Retriever at home. So, I put this on the humans not the four-legged friends. Not everyone wants to be scratched, jumped on, played with or otherwise engaged with dogs when they are sitting in the park reading, relaxing or whatever. There are Dog Free Areas (DFA) in the neighborhood for those who wish to do so. One is located a few blocks away on Wells and Superior. This is where these people need to let their dogs off the leash - not at this open access treasure. I am hoping the city will start enforcing the rules by the posting of more notices and sadly, for repeat offenders, issuing tickets. This is the only way our city's oldest standing park can go back to what it should be - a peaceful oasis for...

Once a beautiful park, great for picnics and free play, the dogs off leash in posted “no dog areas” are killing the grass and people’s fun. It used to be a traditional historically significant people park with dogs allowed but now it’s a “dog park” for some careless and selfish dog owners instead of for all. It stinks of dog poop on hot days. I have three dogs myself but this park is out of control since the pandemic with poorly behaved dogs. One even attacked my kid as we were spinning her around. The park’s governance sucks up taxpayer dollars “restoring” grass areas repeatedly that are ruined by the dogs. It makes no sense. I miss my neighborhood park… There are so many actual dog parks in this city, made just for dogs. Maybe close off an area and make it just for pups so people can enjoy the open areas again? Plant Illinois natives, please, it saves water, money and supports our local biodiversity. Try some swamp milkweed...