Jackson Bark - Chicago, IL
Jackson Bark Dog Park in Chicago, Illinois
Jackson Bark is a distinct dog park located on the South Side of Chicago at 6000 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Originally built inside former tennis courts, the park is fenced and designed with a creative, community-driven approach—repurposing construction materials into unique agility obstacles for dogs to enjoy. It stands out among Chicago’s dog parks thanks to this one-of-a-kind, obstacle-course style environment. The park is dog-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and generally welcoming to pups of all sizes. Dogs can explore agility equipment, and creative amenities like a mini water park and DIY dog bath make visits memorable for pets and owners alike.
Jackson Bark is free to enter and community maintained, so amenities and upkeep can vary. Some visitors appreciate the park’s funky, urban character, while others have raised concerns about dated or neglected equipment and occasional maintenance issues. There is parking available, but please note the lot may sometimes be blocked off. Dog owners searching for an off-leash dog run or pet-friendly agility playground in Chicago will find Jackson Bark unique and worth checking out—but it’s always good to review recent updates before visiting.
Jackson Bark FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated fenced area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the dog park is fully fenced (inside former tennis courts).
- Is there agility equipment for dogs to play on? Yes, the park features creative, repurposed agility obstacles and a unique playground.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is no traditional pond, but there is a mini water park and a dog bath setup using recycling bins.
- Is there parking available? Parking is available, although the lot may occasionally be blocked off.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park features a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking area.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The park is community maintained, and the level of upkeep can vary.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Seating is available at the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Some shade is provided by surrounding trees and structures.
Reviews
These pictures are very misleading… I paid NULL for an hour or less parking, got to the dog park and a lot of the things are broken, biting flies in second half of dog park. The previous pics must have been the park in its prime but now it looks like the land before time. visit at your own risk cause no one is maintaining the park.
My bar for jackson bark was very low based on recent reviews however my dog and I still really enjoyed the park. I think part of the run down appearance is intentional as they repurpose construction pieces. There were no other pooches there but we still used the equipment and got a good run in!
What a disappointment ☹️ We travelled far to experience this park and it looked abandoned and neglected with overgrown weeds and broken/forgotten obstacles some with rusty nails sticking out and unsafe for dogs to be jumping on them. The parking lot was blocked off and the surrounding tennis courts have overgrown trees, bushes and weeds everywhere. It’s a shame the money that was used to build this park didn’t include the maintenance of up keeping it. Definitely not worth the trip.
Used to be fenced in tennis courts.
Now it’s like an obstacle course for your dog. It’s pretty fun and unique. Definitely a creative park unlike any other in Chicago.
It’s community maintained and welcoming to all sized pups.
Last I saw they added a mini water park and a diy dog bath out of blue recycle bins. Pretty cool!
I’ve been to a lot of dog parks in a lot of states. This dog park is by far the most interesting. Todd has done a lot of work and there are a lot of stories behind each piece. If you and your dog are on the southside of Chicago and want a place to play, just Google Jackson Bark. You won’t be disappointed.