Walsh Dog Friendly Area is a fenced 0.10-acre off-leash park inside Walsh (John) Park at 1722 N. Ashland Avenue. The dog run sits west of Ashland beside the train tracks and at the eastern end of The 606. It has separate play sections, mixed hard and soft surfaces, drinking water and a compact neighborhood layout.
Plan your visit
- Address: 1722 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60614.
- Location: Inside Walsh Park, west of Ashland Avenue and beside the train tracks at the eastern end of The 606.
- Hours: Walsh Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Follow any shorter hours or temporary notices posted at the dog-area gate.
- Size: The Chicago Park District lists the dog area at 0.10 acres.
- Dog areas: Two connected fenced sections are used for different dog sizes. Follow the current gate labels because local practices can change.
- Surface: Artificial turf, pavement and pea-gravel areas have been reported. Check the surface temperature during warm weather.
- Water and seating: The Park District confirms a dog drinking fountain; visitor sources also report benches and seasonal pools. Bring backup water.
- Parking: No dedicated dog-park lot was confirmed. Nearby street parking is limited and subject to posted restrictions.
Find the dog park entrance
Enter Walsh Park from North Ashland Avenue, a little north of North Avenue, then continue west toward the train tracks and The 606 access area. Look for the fenced dog run rather than the playground, athletic field or open park lawn.
Open directions to Walsh Dog Friendly Area. The Park District also provides a map of The 606 trail and connected parks that can help orient visitors arriving from the trail. Keep dogs leashed on The 606 and everywhere outside the designated enclosure.
Separate sections, water and surfaces
The compact enclosure was redesigned with two fenced play sections, artificial turf and pea-gravel areas. The sections can help smaller dogs avoid a busier group, but the gate labels and dogs present matter more than relying on a fixed size cutoff.
The official facility page confirms a dog drinking fountain. Visitors also describe hoses or small seasonal pools during warm weather. Water service and shared pools can change, so bring a clean bowl and backup water and supervise your dog around communal water.
What park goers say
Park goers value the convenient location at The 606, the separate play sections and the mix of sunny and shaded areas. Regular visitors describe it as a useful neighborhood stop for quick exercise, with friendly dogs and owners on many visits.
Some visitors find the enclosure small, and one of the two sections may be quiet or occupied by a single dog. Gate traffic and the current play group can change quickly. Pause before entering, communicate with other handlers and choose the section that fits your dog. 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 permit and tag for each dog. Keep dogs leashed outside the enclosure, close both gates, remain 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 Walsh Dog Friendly Area page for the address, size, location and water fountain. The Walsh Park page provides current parent-park hours and nearby facilities.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Hours, water service, pools, surface conditions and gate assignments can change.
