Upland Design presents dog park proposal for Gray Park amid community concerns

The City Council of Evanston is moving forward with plans to establish a dog park at Gray Park, a decision that has sparked significant discussion among community members and city officials. During a recent Preservation Commission meeting, city staff presented the proposed design, which aims to enhance the park's appeal and utility for both dog owners and the surrounding community.

The proposal includes a fenced area for the dog park, located centrally within Gray Park, which is situated on Main Street between Maple and Ridge Avenue. The design process has involved multiple public meetings, where feedback from residents was gathered to refine the concept. According to Liz Defoe, the consulting landscape architect, the dog park is a highly sought-after improvement for the neighborhood, with the intention of attracting more visitors to the park.

However, the plan has raised concerns among some commissioners and residents regarding access to the park's existing features, particularly the limestone amphitheater, which has historically served as a gathering space. Several commissioners expressed worries that the introduction of a fenced dog park could restrict access to this central feature, which many community members currently enjoy.

The proposed design includes a six-foot ornamental fence around the dog park, with gated entries requiring a passcode for access. This has led to questions about how non-dog owners, particularly residents of nearby Albany Care, will be able to utilize the park. Some commissioners emphasized the importance of ensuring that the needs of all park users are considered, particularly those who may not have dogs but rely on the park for recreation and relaxation.

In response to these concerns, city staff assured that picnic tables and open green spaces would remain available for public use, particularly on the Albany Care side of the park. However, the ongoing dialogue highlights the challenge of balancing the desires of dog owners with the needs of other community members who utilize the park for different purposes.

As the city prepares to move forward with construction drawings, the feedback from this meeting will be crucial in shaping the final design. The goal is to create a space that serves the diverse needs of the community while enhancing the overall experience at Gray Park. The anticipated construction is set to begin this fall, marking a significant step in the park's evolution.