UPDATE: Thanks to folks who provided some suggestions and their opinions on whether or not this is an issue for them. I want to provide a bit more context, as some useful questions arose in the comments. First, my points of reference for dog hours or grassy dog parks in urban areas are San Francisco (GGP), Berkeley (Ohlone), Manhattan (Central Park), and Brooklyn (Prospect Park). All old, densely populated cities. My desire to not drive every day to exercise my dog stems from not wanting to contribute to air pollution and local traffic. I have kids and love the OP parks system. Finally, FWIW, I was curious about people's feelings using the parks when nobody else was using them - i.e., mornings during school days. I'm hurt that my question to the community elicited a claim that I am acting entitled.
I was curious if anyone else is bothered by the lack of green space for dogs to be off leash in Oak Park?
We moved to OP a little over a year ago from the Bay Area and have been struck by the lack of grassy dog parks, dog runs, or off-leash allowances at any of the parks. We have a younger, athletic dog who is under voice command, socialized to dogs and humans, and doesn’t bark or dig. Yet, we’ve felt unwelcome in our neighborhood and are curious if anyone else feels this way.
Where we lived in the Bay Area, there were a handful of big, grassy dog parks and runs and dogs were also allowed off leash at regular parks if they were under voice command and weren’t bothering people. I’ve also heard from friends about “dog hours” in CA and NY where dogs are allowed off-leash from 7-9am.
Ultimately, I am curious: Does anyone else feel this way or is this just an “us-problem”? Genuinely enquiring about the culture here. Thanks!
