Overview
- The Chicago Park District replaced the park's all–pea-gravel surface with an asphalt-and-pea-gravel hybrid to improve accessibility, drainage and upkeep, and reopened the dog area Tuesday.
- Since the reopening several owners reported cuts and torn paw pads they say came from loose gravel collecting in concrete drainage cutouts and on asphalt running paths.
- Volunteers from the Hamlin Park Advisory Council organized clean-ups and left brooms at the site to sweep loose gravel as an interim fix while owners avoid the park.
- The Park District says gravel-filled concrete sections were meant to confine rock and reduce standing water and that the materials are standard for durability and maintenance.
- A meeting with the Dog Friendly Area Committee has been scheduled to review community concerns and decide next steps, and no formal design changes have been announced yet.