------------------------------------------------------------
1. What is the Dog PAC?
------------------------------------------------------------
The South Loop Dog Park Action Cooperative or Dog PAC is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, with an 8 member
Board of Directors and over 200 members. It was founded in 2001 to help establish dog-friendly areas (DFAs) in the South Loop and to
promote responsible dog ownership.
The Dog PAC raised over $75,000 for the community contribution required to have Grant Bark Park built in 2006.
Today, the Dog PAC is responsible for maintaining the South Loop DFAs, as well as planning and financially supporting any
improvements or changes to the dog parks. In addition, the PAC continues to promote responsible dog ownership, providing
socializing opportunities for our dogs and their people, as well as educational information.
------------------------------------------------------------
2. What is a DFA?
------------------------------------------------------------
DFA stands for Dog Friendly Area, an off-leash dog park. It is a separate fenced-in area
in the city where dogs can exercise and play off-leash in a safe and supervised environment.
------------------------------------------------------------
3. Where are the DFAs in the South Loop?
------------------------------------------------------------
There are two DFAs in the South Loop, one at Coliseum Park at 14th Place and Wabash and
Grant Bark Park, on the east side of the Metra tracks, just west of Columbus Drive and just northeast of the
11th Street pedestrian bridge.
A list of all Chicago DFAs can be found here:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/dog_friendly_areas/
------------------------------------------------------------
4. What are the requirements for use of a DFA?
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Chicago Park District requires all dogs using any Chicago DFA to have a DFA license.
Licenses can be obtained from participating veterinarians and require a City of Chicago dog license.
The CPD requirements can be found here:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/dog_friendly_areas/
------------------------------------------------------------
5. Are there any rules for the DFAs?
------------------------------------------------------------
Yes! Dogs must be healthy and supervised by their owners. Owners must supervise their dogs at all times and clean up after them.
Dogs who have exhibited aggressive behavior are prohibited from using the park.
Owners must pick up after their dogs! There are doggie bag dispensers and trash receptacles in every park. Please do your part to keep the parks clean!
------------------------------------------------------------
6. Why are the DFAs paved? Why isn't there any grass for the dogs to run in?
------------------------------------------------------------
The Chicago Park District requires that all dog-friendly areas must be hard-surfaced. It is thought that this allows the area to be kept clean and sanitary.
------------------------------------------------------------
7. Who maintains the DFAs?
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
8. Why does the Dog PAC continue to hold fundraisers if the DFAs are built?
------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned, the Dog PAC is responsible for maintaining the existing South Loop DFAs.
This includes keeping the area clean, providing pools for the dogs in the hot summer and ensuring there are no safety hazards.
For example, in 2008, all the pea gravel was replaced in Grant Bark Park to ensure the area remained safe for the dogs to play in,
as well as clean and odor free.
Despite generous discounts from vendors and hard work from many volunteers to curb costs, this project alone was almost $3,000.
In the future, the paved areas will also have to be resurfaced to prevent moisture damage.
Financial information for the South Loop Dog PAC is available upon request.
------------------------------------------------------------
9. What improvements are planned for the South Loop DFAs?
------------------------------------------------------------
Some improvements that we are hoping to fund include:
Grant Bark
Park
Additional landscaping to provide a small dog area
Shade sail
Play structure
Coliseum Park
Resurfacing
[We need your input!]
------------------------------------------------------------
10. What can I do to help the PAC?
------------------------------------------------------------
There are a few ways you can help.
Join! Dog PAC membership is always appreciated. This helps us keep in touch with you. Please visit our membership page
for more information about joining.
Input! Feedback on dog-related issues in the neighborhood and ideas about what you would like to see from the Dog PAC helps
ensure that as a community group, we are a valuable resource.
Volunteer! We hold events for fund-raising, as well as to provide opportunities for neighborhood dogs and their owners to
get to know one another. Volunteers for these events are always needed and you might just have fun!
------------------------------------------------------------
11. How can I contact the Dog PAC if I have questions?
------------------------------------------------------------
Please see our Contact page for more information.