The West Loop 569 Bark Park is the community name for Chicago Park District’s Park No. 569 Dog Friendly Area at 1358 W. Monroe Street. The fenced 0.46-acre off-leash park sits on the north side of Monroe between Throop and Loomis, across from Skinner Park. It includes turf, concrete and rock areas, shade trees and canopies, seating, water features and room for fetch.
Plan your visit
- Address: 1358 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60607.
- Location: North side of Monroe Street between Throop and Loomis, across from Skinner Park.
- Hours: Park No. 569 is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Follow any shorter hours or temporary notices posted at the gate.
- Size: The Park District lists the park at 0.46 acres.
- Dog areas: One combined off-leash enclosure; no separate small-dog section is identified by the Park District or community group.
- Surface: Mixed artificial turf, concrete and rockery.
- Water: Water features, bowls and seasonal splash pools are community-supported amenities. Bring backup water because service and pools can change.
- Parking: No dedicated dog-park lot was confirmed. Nearby street availability varies by day and time; read every curb sign.
Find the dog park entrance
The enclosure occupies its own narrow park parcel along the north side of West Monroe Street. Look between North Throop Street and South Loomis Street, directly across Monroe from Skinner Park. Do not continue into Skinner Park expecting its lawns to be an off-leash area.
Open directions to The West Loop 569 Bark Park. Use the signed gated entrance and keep your dog leashed until both of you are inside the designated enclosure.
Turf, shade and water play
The park’s community group highlights tree-shaded walkways, rockery, turf, canopy shades, seating and water features. The existing exact-park photo shows a dog using a water bowl beside a hose and splash pool, with artificial turf, concrete, drainage rock, mature trees and perimeter fencing visible around the play area.
The mixed surface gives dogs several textures and reduces the amount of mud after rain. Concrete and turf can still become hot in direct sun, and shared pools or bowls require attentive supervision. Test the surface, bring clean backup water and empty standing water when directed by park volunteers.
What park goers say
Park goers often praise the amount of running space, shade, seating, tennis balls, cleaning supplies and seasonal splash pools. Visitors describe a relaxed neighborhood crowd and appreciate having turf, concrete and rocks in one enclosure.
The park can attract many dogs, and parking becomes less predictable during busy West Loop periods. Shared toys, pools and the current play group change throughout the day. Pause at the gate, watch the play style and choose a quieter time when your dog needs more personal space. These are visitor experiences rather than a check of today’s conditions.
Rules before you enter
Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Areas require a current DFA tag showing that the dog is licensed and vaccinated. Keep your dog leashed outside the enclosure, close the gates, stay with your dog, interrupt unsafe play and remove waste immediately.
Food is prohibited inside Chicago DFAs, including dog treats, and handlers may bring no more than three dogs at one time. Read the complete Park District rules and the gate sign before entering because permit details and temporary restrictions can change.
Before you go
Check the official Park No. 569 Dog Friendly Area page and the Park No. 569 hours page. The volunteer-run West Loop 569 Bark Park site posts community amenities, events and support information.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Hours, water service, splash pools, access and surface conditions can change.
