FAQ

When was Puptown built? How large is it?
The dog park was established in 2000. It's about a 1/3 acre.

Does the City of Chicago fund Puptown?
Puptown does not receive financial support from the city. The park is maintained and financed by the Puptown Dog Owners Group (P-DOG), a nonprofit membership association comprised of park patrons, neighbors and friends.

Members contribute $30/year for upkeep. The Parkways Foundation acts as Puptown's fiscal agent, so membership and other donations are tax deductible.

Is my membership current?
P-DOG membership expires Dec. 31. If you haven’t paid this year, you are overdue.

What is the average annual cost for maintenance?
P-DOG tries to raise between $5,000 and $6,000 per year: $2,000 for regular maintenance, and $3,000-$4,000 to save for capital improvements.

What kind of surface does Puptown have? How much maintenance does it require?
Asphalt and gravel. Asphalt is swept and washed down with 10% bleach solution bi-weekly during warm months. Gravel is raked bi-weekly. Every other year or so we purchase more gravel.

Does P-DOG purchase its cleaning equipment?
P-DOG purchases basic equipment, such as brooms, shovels and rakes. The tool shed was purchased in 2007 for storage. We haven't splurged on a power washer yet, but it's one of the items we're considering to help with maintenance. The Park District removes the trash.

How often is Puptown cleaned?
The first and third Saturdays of the month, starting in the middle of May and continuing through October. Volunteers clean the surfaces and rake the gravel. Dogs are allowed in the park during this time.

New volunteers are always welcomed; just show up at the park at 8 a.m. We're usually done by 10 a.m., and coffee is provided.

Does P-DOG ever hire a cleaning service?
We hire professional landscapers to do a power wash once a year, usually the first Saturday in May. This is a longer cleaning that runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How often is Puptown cleaned during the winter months?
There are no scheduled cleanings during the winter, but volunteers continue to help out as needed: shoveling the entrance walk, spreading de-icer and picking up litter.

What about other park purchases (water bowls, toys, poop bags, etc.)?
We are fortunate that park-goers often donate these items. Bring your extras! One park-goer generously donates used tennis ball from her gym.

How does P-DOG raise funds?

• We ask park users to become members.
• Puptown Howl-O-Ween Parade and Party, held every October, is our biggest fundraising event.
• Spring Membership Drive.
• Sale of Puptown t-shirts and, starting soon, hats.

How can I help support Puptown?

• Become a member!
• Pick up litter; in addition to picking up after your own dog, if everyone picked up a second dropping and visible trash, the park would be spotless.
• Spread the word; tell other people at the park about how we are organized and how they can help.
• Talk to folks who may not know about dog park safety and etiquette; everyone should be familiar with park rules and general safety guidelines.
• Volunteer; try to commit a few hours a month, or sign up to help out as needed with events or cleanings. Contact volunteer@puptown.org for job descriptions.

How do I learn more about park activities?

• Sign up for the Google Group (see right-side column). News alerts are sent once or twice a month. Here's the message archive.
• Become a fan of Puptown on Facebook.

I'm interested in starting a dog park in my community. Where do I start?

• Download this primer (PDF) on Dog Friendly Areas from the Chicago Park District, and good luck!