CHICAGO — The McKinley Dog Park Committee is aiming to bring one of the first dog parks to the South Side.
Since 2014, the committee has worked on proposals for the park, which would be at Pershing and Western. Neighbors are looking to raise $150,000 for planning efforts, including creating an official sketch of the park and determining total costs for the park.
"All of us have gone to different dog parks in the North Side and we feel that it promotes a sense of community in the neighborhood by getting to know your neighbors more," said Carina Trudell, co-president of the McKinley Dog Park Committee.
The committee has raised $3,000 so far as part of its fundraising efforts at the McKinley Park farmers market every Sunday this summer; selling dog, homemade treats, toys and T-shirts.
"People have a stigma of the South Side and I think this could promote a safe haven for people of the community." Trudell said.
There are no official dog parks on the South Side. Jackson Bark is an unofficial one on a tennis court in Jackson Park, but it's slated to close.
The committee's next steps include working with large corporations as well as speaking with the alderman to begin sponsoring the park.
The next fundraising event will be taking place 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 15 at Fabulous Freddie's, 701 W. 31st St., where a portion of the proceeds will go toward the park if food buyers mention the event.