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Logan Square Dog Park Construction to Begin May 1

By Jamie Lynn Ferguson | April 27, 2015 9:37am | Updated on April 27, 2015 9:39am
 Pictured is the Logan Square Dog Park, set for construction on May 1.
Pictured is the Logan Square Dog Park, set for construction on May 1.
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LOGAN SQUARE — After several years of planning and fundraising, construction on the Logan Square Dog Park is slated to begin Friday, local organizers say.

The dog park, 2529 W. Logan Blvd., is expected to open in August but progress will depend on the quality and cleanliness of the soil, according to Kim Pool, secretary of the Logan Square Dog Park Association.

"We're just local residents who want to take a lot that's filled with junk and make it into a beautiful park where the community can meet and our dogs can run free," Pool said. 

Labeled Park 556 by the Chicago Park District, the space is tucked behind the Kennedy Expy and was a former dumping ground and campsite of homeless men and women. Community clean-up days have brought the park to its current state.

"The community has been so supportive and they've shown up in droves any time we've had a public meeting," Pool said.

In 2012, the park received $340,000 in Open Space Impact Fee funds. Construction has been delayed for the past three years, Pool said, because construction bids have come in higher than expected. Progress now comes as a result of a construction bid of approximately $293,000. The bid covers construction costs and also allows for remaining funds to cover unforeseen complications and maintenance.

"It leaves us with some money in reserve in case something happens with the ground and digging," Pool said. 

The association has also raised approximately $35,000 in private donations, which will go toward maintenance, and purchases such as hoses, shovels, dog waste bags and new benches.

Currently, a 4-foot fence surrounds the space, but that will be upgraded to a 6-foot fence, Pool said.

Features include areas to separate small and large dogs; a two-level water fountain for pet owners and pets; three benches; a hose for cleansing the concrete pad; and a retaining wall.

"Our community is responsible for maintenance of the park," Pool said. "So we're going to come up with cleaning day events, but we're going to make sure the park is taken care of, and is clean and safe."

A kick-off party for this fall is being organized.

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