Jackson Bark — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

When I first brought my dogs to Jackson Bark, I loved it...and so did my dogs. Although my dogs didn't use the agility equipment, they did get exercise by running around with the other dogs.

This all changed yesterday when one of my dogs was mauled by another dog that was in the park.

In my concern about my dog, I failed to get the other dog owner's information; however, I thought I could follow up with the Jackson Bark "owner", since there were several witnesses to the incident.

After returning from the vet, with a hefty bill, I inboxed the park owner to call me and he did. As I was trying to explain what happened at the park and ask his assistance in identifying the other dog's owner, he started lecturing me on proper dog etiquette and the importance of waiting until the other owners grabbed their dogs before entering the park. I told him that no one had attempted to do that and asked if that was posted in the park and he said that should just be "common sense".

Since I know that he is usually at the park most days, I asked if he could ask some of the regulars if they had witnessed the incident or if he would be willing to post a sign to the same effect. He told me that he had enough to do working in the park and it didn't include being my secretary!

I asked if he was concerned and if other patrons would be concerned about dogs attacking other dogs and he informed me that another dog had been mauled a few weeks ago! But obviously he did nothing about it then and has decided to do nothing about it now!

Needless to say, neither I or my dogs will be returning to...

Moving to Chicago's Southside from out of state 2 yrs ago, I was desperate to find a dog park close by for my dog to socialize and get more acclimated to Chicago. How surprised was I to learn that such a "dog friendly" city, had very few dog parks!

A friend told me about Jackson Bark, which is in the park behind the museum of Science and Industry and is visible from Lake Shore Dr. I took both of my dogs there and all of us loved it! It's gated and a nice size for large and small dogs. My dogs were able to interact with the other 2 dogs there that day, but not feel crowded. I was initially nervous about my 8 month old puppy because both of my dogs had been attacked by 2 dogs on our street in November. The puppy was a bit hesitant, but had enough room to run and get comfortable. There were doggie interactive obstacles, balls, toys and water for them. The obstacles WERE not built to be regulation for agility but for fun and basic exercise for the dogs.

The man who built the park with his own money and time was there with his gorgeous and sweet German Shepard Charlie. Todd's kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness for other Southside/Hyde Park dog owners really amazed me. To devote that much work and expense for others to enjoy is something you don't encounter often.

I LOVED the Jackson Bark dog park and hope others in our community will enjoy it and if necessary, do whatever it takes to make sure it stays open for our dog friends to enjoy! My dogs and I are on our way...

My Jackson Bark Review

Are you a dog owner with cabin fever or just trying to mix up that city block walking routine? Living in the city, especially on the south side, you and I know there are very limited places to let your dog roam free. Taking your precious canine to Jackson Bark is a wonderful opportunity to get your pet off leash to socialize with other dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes in an enclosed park/agility course. I have a Portuguese Water Dog named Jax and he’s played with Pit Bulls, German Shepards, Labordoodles, Vizslas, Pomeranians, chihuahuas, huskies, and the list goes on and on. All of the dog owners have been responsible with keeping an eye on their pet(s) and we have had zero incidences while there.

I have been at least ten to twelve times, and each visit has given my pooch a haven of socialization and play time with other dogs who like being off leash, it’s kind of a place where they can really let their hair (or fur) down to just mingle and play. Or if you prefer, you can take your intelligent hard working pet through the plethora of obstacles built throughout this safe and friendly enclosed park. So what are you waiting for? Grab your pooch and to come down to Jackson Bark, where a dog truly can be a dog. You won’t regret it! -Liz P.S. I want to give a shout out to Todd, Charlie and Nathan for making it all possible! What an amazing gift you have given us canine lovers. The park is something I truly look forward to going...