The Full Story
Dogs in Washington Square Park
The growing presence of dogs in Washington Square Park reflects its role as an active, well-used community space. It has also led to important discussions about balancing recreation, preservation, and equitable access for all park users.
A Shared Space
Washington Square Park as a shared space among dog owners and other park patrons has been the subject of significant community discussion in recent years.
In May 2025, a proposed park closure for turf restoration drew historic attendance at a Park Advisory Council meeting, with residents voicing strong perspectives about access to green space.
(Read more about the May 2025 meeting from Block Club Chicago and Chicago Tribune)
Attendees included not only dog owners, but also seniors, families, students, educators, and other regular park users. Many expressed concern that prolonged closure would negatively impact community well-being and accessibility.
The proposed solution for shared space? A dog friendly area (DFA).
Dog Friendly Areas
The Chicago Park District notes that "Dog friendly areas are designated sections within Chicago parks or beaches, where dogs are allowed to run and play off-leash, the only areas in the city where this is allowed."
Dog-Friendly Areas (DFAs) in Chicago are carefully designed, designated spaces that must meet specific standards set by the Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago. These requirements ensure that DFAs are safe, sanitary, and properly maintained for both dogs and the surrounding community.
Because of these standards, DFAs are not simply open green spaces—they are purpose-built environments that typically include features such as enclosed fencing, hard surfaces for maintenance, drainage systems, and dedicated infrastructure for cleaning and upkeep.
Learn more about DFA requirements or find a DFA near you:
Photo by Harrison Barnes - www.harrisonbarnesphotography.com
Request Denied
On September 11, 2025, a proposal from Alderman Brian Hopkins to construct a Dog-Friendly Area (DFA) in Washington Square Park was reviewed and ultimately denied by the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development Permit Review Committee under the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
As part of this process, the Historic Preservation Division presented detailed findings to the Committee. Following review, the Committee advised:
“The various alterations that would be part of any potential proposal for a Dog-Friendly Area in Washington Square Park, including physical barriers such as fencing, extensive paving of green space, permanent shade structures, etc., would have an adverse effect on the historic design and significant features of the park, would not be consistent with the Commission’s Standards and guidelines, and therefore would not be approved.”
This determination reflects the park’s historic designation and the requirement that any modifications align with established preservation standards.
Questions regarding this decision can be directed to:
Emily Barton, Architect II
City of Chicago, Historic Preservation Division
The Next Steps
The Washington Square Park Advisory Council remains committed to finding thoughtful, balanced solutions that support a shared park experience for all—one that includes responsible dog ownership and respect for the broader community.
Current efforts are focused on reinforcing best practices such as consistent leash use and waste removal, while also exploring additional strategies like improved signage and community education. We recognize that this is an evolving conversation, and we welcome ideas from park users be submitted via email to wsqpadvisorycouncil@gmail.com.
While the recent proposal for a Dog-Friendly Area was not approved, the idea has not been entirely set aside. Moving this concept forward would require strong, sustained community support and active participation. Specifically, this would include:
-
Establishing a Dog Committee within the Advisory Council
-
Identifying a committed leader (or leaders) to guide the process
-
Organizing the formal steps required to petition for a DFA
-
Supporting long-term oversight, maintenance, and accountability
Creating a Dog-Friendly Area is a significant undertaking—but with the right structure and community involvement, it may remain a possibility for the future.
The Grass is Always Greener: A Brief Note on Dogs & Grass
After careful review, it was determined that dog urine was not the primary cause of turf damage. Instead, contributing factors include:
-
Limited sunlight due to heavy shade
-
Poor drainage and water accumulation
-
The presence of invasive knotweed
Addressing these issues would require extensive and costly intervention, including full excavation. Given these considerations, and the resilience and ecological characteristics of existing plant life, the Park Advisory Council has advised against turf restoration at this time.
Learn more about turf, landscaping, and park beautification efforts on our Landscaping Page.