Puptown

04/30/2026

Puptown Friends,

We recently met with Alderwoman Leni Hoppenworth (Ward 48) regarding a host of safety issues regarding Puptown and other high-use areas in Margate Park. Our intent was to ensure that the Alderwoman is fully briefed on our experiences and concerns regarding Puptown and Margate Park, and to see what steps might be taken to mitigate risks to our pets and our community.

The issues we presented for discussion stem from the tent encampments in close proximity to Puptown, and that have persisted for several years. They include drugs found in the area adjacent to Puptown, drug paraphernalia within and around the perimeter of Puptown, human f***s in the bushes on the east side of Puptown, and landscaping and tools missing from Puptown.

Alderwoman Hoppenworth and Angel Navarijo, Director of Neighborhood Services, attended the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes. They were attentive to our comments and concerns, but were noncommittal to our proposal to establish a 100 ft safety buffer around Puptown and neighboring ball fields.

Alderwoman Hoppenworth did reiterate the importance of letting her office know of any safety incidents and related concerns regarding Margate Park and Puptown. We can help facilitate this if needed, but it is best for the Ward Office (and Chicago Police Department for incidents involving drugs or threats / violence) to hear directly from you.

That said, if you find any drugs or drug paraphernalia in Puptown or in its immediate vicinity, or encounter any other safety concerns, please:
1) Photograph the item(s) (if applicable)
2) Note the date and specific location
3) Send a note with the information to the Ward 48 Office, copying us (we will keep a log)

[email protected]
[email protected]

Note, if you happen to find drugs, call 911.

Thank you for your support of Puptown!

Send a message to learn more

04/03/2026

11/26/2025

Friends,

We are thrilled to announce that the Park District has completed the installation of a new light tower for Puptown! The work was completed on Monday.

We would like to extend a special "thank you" to Erik Gleaves and Mike Brown of the Chicago Park District, as well as Agnes Chan of the Ward 48 Office. They were instrumental in making this project happen.

Also thanks to Phil Torres and Bela Barner for their diligent work in presenting this project to the City.

Have a great holiday!

09/18/2025

https://www.meetup.com/dog-enrichment-group/events/311038203/

Scent Safari: A Nose-Work Adventure Let your dog’s nose lead the way in this fun, sensory-rich activity! In Scent Safari, dogs explore a series of containers, each filled w

09/07/2025

Update On Puptown Lighting Project

Friends,

Thank you to the many of you who signed our online petition to demonstrate overwhelming support for installing night lighting in Puptown.

Several weeks ago, we met with Alderwoman Hoppenworth and her Director of Planning, Agnes Chan, to present the proposal (see attached). They were very enthused about the proposal, and subsequently advocated for the project with the Park District.

Last week, we met with Park District leadership in Margate Park. They were equally receptive to the proposal.

Our next step is to meet with the Park District engineering team to examine the feasibility of the project. We hope to have this meeting in the next week or two. We are optimistic that the project will be deemed feasible, at which point we will discuss costs and funding needs.

In short, all very positive news to report as we start to move forward with this proposal. We will keep posted as new milestones are achieved. Thank you again for your continued support of Puptown.

Regards,

Puptown Friends

07/28/2025

Friends,

One of our volunteers, Scottie, constructed a dog wash station for Puptown! It is just behind the spigot along the fence. Scottie's clever design includes a ramp, a leash attachment, and a water source (thanks also to Phil Torres for his plumbing expertise).

On a related note, please do not cut the ends off the hoses. We need the threaded nozzles for irrigation purposes. Please try to keep your pup from chewing on our hoses.

Best Regards,

Puptown Friends