Mission Statement
To establish a fenced in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife. To develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions. To view this park as a community project, in partnership with the Chicago Park District, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike.
Location
The Wicker Park Dog Friendly Area is located at the southeast corner of Wicker Park at the intersections of Schiller St, Evergreen Ave and Wicker Park Ave
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Civic Footprint
| City Alderman | Manny Flores (D-1) | Precinct | 10th Precinct |
| County Commissioner | Earlean Collins (D-1) | Police Beat | Beat 1424 |
| State Representative | Cynthia Soto (D-4) | Ward | 1st Ward |
| State Senator | William Delgado (D-2) | Community Area | West Town |
| Congressman | Luis V. Gutierrez (D-4) | Judicial Subcircuit | 6th Subcircuit |
Wicker Park History
In 1870, when businessmen and developers Charles G. and Joel H. Wicker began constructing drainage ditches and laying out streets in their subdivision, they donated a four-acre parcel of land to the city to be used as a public park. Fencing the triangular site to keep cows out, the city created an artificial lake in the center of the park, surrounding it with lawn and trees. As the Wickers had hoped, the area developed into a fashionable middle- and upper-class neighborhood. In 1885, the city transferred Wicker Park to the West Park Commission. Five years later, the West Park Commission filled the park's lake, replacing it with lawn. Between 1892 and 1895, a fanciful fountain was installed in the park. The cut-granite fountain had an outer basin which still exists, lovely ornamentation, and floral urns. In the center was a cast-iron fountain with foliage motifs and small gargoyle faces from which water was sprayed. In 1908, Jens Jensen, then West Park System Superintendent, removed the cast-iron fountain and replaced it with a jet spray, converting the fountain into a children's wading pool. Jensen also built pergolas (trellis-like structures) and planted additional trees and shrubs in Wicker Park.
The West Park Commission was consolidated into the Chicago Park District in 1934. To provide additional programs, the park district soon constructed a small fieldhouse in Wicker Park. The building proved inadequate, and the park district replaced it with an attractive post-modern fieldhouse in 1985.
Throughout its history, the park has borne the Wicker family name. Having settled in Chicago in 1839, Charles G. (1820--) and his brother Joel H. opened a wholesale grocery business. Charles went on to own two railroad lines, and to serve as Alderman, Cook County Supervisor, and Illinois State Legislator.