The design for a proposed dog park at Grey Park has raised significant concerns among members of Evanston’s Preservation Commission. The primary issue revolves around the planned inclusion of the park’s historic limestone amphitheater within the dog park area. Commissioners argued that enclosing the amphitheater would not only limit access to this “character-defining feature” of the park but also alter its public use, which is considered a key aspect of the park’s historical value.
The proposal calls for constructing the dog park in the center of Grey Park, located at Main Street and Ridge Avenue, and surrounding it with a 6-foot-high ornamental fence, which would also enclose the amphitheater. The entrance would be gated with keypad access for dog owners. The city’s landscape architect, Liz Dafoe, emphasized that while the goal is to enhance the park’s community appeal, some residents worry that restricting access to the amphitheater would diminish the public’s ability to enjoy its current function.
The concerns were echoed by Commissioner Sarah M. Dreller, an architectural historian, who stressed that the park’s unique character lies in its open and democratic nature, which could be disrupted by the proposed changes. “What makes this a unique and important special place is this amphitheater in the center,” Dreller remarked. “What’s happening here is that we’re taking this character-defining feature and restricting access to it.”
Other commissioners expressed concerns about the potential impact on Albany Care residents, who currently use the park, particularly the area around the amphitheater. Commissioner Charles Smith highlighted the importance of considering how the redesign might affect these individuals, many of whom rely on the park for respite.
Despite these concerns, city officials, including Senior Project Manager Stefanie Levine, assured the commission that efforts were being made to balance the needs of both dog park users and existing park-goers. She noted that some seating would remain on the Albany Care side of the park, and the dog park design aimed to preserve green spaces for non-dog users as well.
The Preservation Commission’s feedback will be considered as the city moves forward with the design process. However, the final decision rests with city staff, who are working with a tight budget of approximately $250,000 for the project. The city hopes to have the dog park constructed later this year, although the commission’s concerns may require revisions to the current plans.
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