Jackson Bark facts for kids

Jackson Bark stone sign created by sculptor James Lax, used as a fun agility feature with stairs and a slide.

An A-frame and tunnel in the front, with a tire-hill in the back.

One of three entrances/exits, designed for wheelchairs and strollers.

The Pup Pub, one of three places where dogs can get water.

A bone-shaped bench, one of six benches in the park.

A 7-foot-tall fire hydrant sprays fresh water into three pools for dogs to splash in.

The 'Lightning Bolt Walk' has two raised, tight turns, made from construction horses and rubber speed bumps.

"Fort Jackson Bark" offers shade and is a great spot for playing 'hide and seek' or taking photos. In the background, you can see a Little Free Library and a water station.

The Stool Circle is a place for both pups and their owners to sit and relax.

'Jackson Paw-lock' is the park's first community art piece. Each different colored paw was painted by a dog or artist who took part. It was inspired by the artist Jackson Pollock.

The Blues Brother's Dog Days Lounge, inspired by artists George Rodrigue and Stephen Huneck.

Fun photo-op signs, inspired by artists Clet Abraham and Izaac Zevalking.

More photo-op signs, inspired by artists Clet Abraham and Izaac Zevalking.

Jackson Bark is a special community dog park in Jackson Park, Chicago, Illinois. It's unique because it was built on four old tennis courts that were no longer used. Over 90% of the materials used to build it are recycled! This makes it the biggest fully fenced dog park in Chicago.

Work on Jackson Bark started in the spring of 2014. It has been growing and getting better ever since. The community funds and takes care of Jackson Bark, so there is no fee to enter. While Chicago has over 20 dog parks, Jackson Bark is the first one on the city's south side. It also has more cool features, safety items, and fun photo spots than any other community dog park in Illinois.

What Can Dogs and Owners Do at Jackson Bark?

Jackson Bark has many things for dogs and their owners to enjoy. It has a free parking lot and lights for evening visits. There are three water stations for dogs to drink from. The park has three entrances and exits, including one that is easy for wheelchairs to use.

For safety, there is a first aid kit. Dogs can play in a bunker and a fort. There are also four baskets full of toys. For agility and fun, dogs can use two teeter-totters, three ramps, two A-frames, six walks, and four tunnels. They can also jump over two hurdles and through four hoops.

Owners can relax on six benches, 12 chairs, and five tables. To keep the park clean, there are three garbage bins, 20 bag dispensers, and 15 cardboard scooper dispensers. On sunny days, there are six sun-shades and seven pools for dogs to wade in.

Other fun features include two time-out areas for dogs who need a break. There are also two weave poles and two tire-hills for agility. Dogs can relax in a shaded lounge area. A spool-circle and two tether-balls add to the fun. The park also has a community board, a news board, and a lost dog board.

Jackson Bark also has an art gallery corner and a "puparazzi" red-carpet area for photos. A giant fire hydrant sprays water for play. There is also a K9 memorial photo spot. The park has its own website and many social media pages. Plus, there is a Little Free Library where you can borrow or share books.

Awards and Recognition for Jackson Bark

Jackson Bark has been recognized as one of the best dog parks around. Many groups and publications have praised it.

• Chicago Reader named it one of the best dog parks in 2016 and 2017.
• Chicago Magazine also called it one of the best in 2017.
• CBS News Chicago, Foursquare, TaskEasy, and Yelp all gave it high marks in 2016 and 2017.
• Curbed Chicago included it in their list in 2018.
• RedEye called it a "Woofworthy Spot" in 2017.
• Southside Weekly described it as a "Pup Paradise" in 2016.
• Minitime said it was a "Best Dog-Friendly Vacation" spot.
• Jackson Park Watch called it a "much loved and much needed" dog park.
• Woof: The Dog Lover's Social and Dating App named it the "Best Dog Park in Illinois" in 2018.
• Hellowdog listed it as one of the "Top 10 Dog Parks in America’s Biggest Cities" in 2018.

How Jackson Bark Was Inspired

Jackson Bark was created by combining the best ideas from different places. It uses a lot of upcycling, which means reusing old materials in new ways. The park was inspired by unique dog park features from other places. For example, it got ideas from Wiggly Field's Time-Out area and Dog Mountain's Dog Chapel.

The park also features art inspired by famous artists. These include George Rodrigue, Stephen Huneck, Clet Abraham, Izaac Zevalking, and Jackson Pollock. This mix of art and play makes Jackson Bark a truly special place.

The Future of Jackson Bark

The future of Jackson Bark is currently uncertain. The Chicago Park District has supported a plan by Tiger Woods Design. This plan would expand the Jackson Park Golf Driving Range towards Jackson Bark.

In response, Jackson Bark has suggested other ideas. However, the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance, the Chicago Park District, and TGR Design have not considered these proposals. The community hopes to find a way for Jackson Bark to continue to be a beloved park for dogs and their owners.

A fun "Hollywood puparazzi" board for red-carpet photo opportunities.