CHICAGO () — A newly redesigned dog-friendly section of Hamlin Park in Roscoe Village is drawing criticism from some local pet owners, who say reports of dogs getting hurt have made the once-busy spot less inviting.
Neighbors say the park’s new mix of asphalt and gravel has created concerns about safety and day-to-day use. The Chicago Park District, however, says the renovation was meant to make the space easier to access, simpler to maintain and better equipped to handle drainage.
“This park used to be full at this time of day, and now, it’s like a ghost town,” dog owner Cassidy Kulhanek said.
For some regular visitors, the upgraded dog area at Hamlin Park has fallen short of expectations, with owners saying the changes have not made the space more comfortable for the pets it was built to accommodate.
“I feel it’s worse than it was before the whole thing started,” dog owner Sylvia Snow said.
The dog-friendly area, located near Hoyne Avenue and Wellington Avenue, was redesigned by the Chicago Park District to address accessibility, upkeep and water runoff issues. As part of the project, the former pea gravel surface was replaced with a layout combining asphalt and gravel.
Park district officials said the earlier design relied mostly on pea gravel, which often spilled onto nearby sidewalks and did not create a firm, durable path for people using the area. The new configuration added asphalt walkways and gathering spaces, while keeping pea gravel in specific zones intended for dog activity.
According to the park district, the hybrid surface was planned to provide a steadier, lower-maintenance experience for visitors, improve accessibility, guide foot traffic more clearly and help the facility last longer. Officials also said permeable sections were preserved to help with drainage at the Roscoe Village dog park.
Snow said she was immediately concerned about the new surface material.
“I was concerned immediately about the surface, the dark surface, that in the summertime it’s going to be too hot for the paws,” Snow said.
Other owners expressed concerns about how the redesign functions.
“The black asphalt isn’t great; the rocks don’t stay in these little cutouts,” dog owner Greg Zimmerman said.
Kulhanek said her dog, Pop Tart, has not been injured, but concerns about other dogs have kept them away.
“I’ve seen dogs get, like, their paws sensitive suddenly when they’re running through the gravel, like something has stuck them and, like, pricked their paw or something,” Kulhanek said. “We are hearing a lot of horror stories about other dogs getting hurt at the park, and that kind of deters us from coming at all.”
Zimmerman said he understands the goals behind the redesign but questions whether the final product works for dog owners.
“I understand that they did this because it’s easier for maintenance or for water runoff, and I understand that it has to be usable as well, so they kind of missed the mark on that part,” Zimmerman said.
In a statement, the park district said it is aware of concerns raised by park users and has scheduled a meeting with the Dog Friendly Area Committee.
“We have been made aware of patron concerns regarding the Dog Friendly Area (DFA) at Hamlin Park, and have scheduled a meeting with the Dog Friendly Area Committee to address the community’s concerns about their park experience and determine the appropriate next steps in alignment with our guidelines,” the park district said.
The park district said it does not actively select locations for new dog-friendly areas but supports communities interested in creating them by providing guidelines and helping stakeholders through the process. The park district said the Dog Friendly Area Committee that initiates the process is composed of community stakeholders responsible for maintenance of the dog-friendly area.
The park district also said gravel-filled concrete sections within the redesign were intended to provide controlled drainage areas. According to the park district, those sections help minimize standing water and mud, improve drainage performance and keep gravel confined to designated locations.
The park district added that pea gravel and asphalt are commonly used materials in park facilities, including dog-friendly areas, because of their durability and maintenance considerations. For dog owners raising concerns, the issue extends beyond the redesign itself. They say they want a voice in whatever changes come next.
