SOUTH LOOP Compiled by Chima Ikoro Neighborhood Captain
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PHOTO BY K'VON JACKSON
his neighborhood has a history that is as old and as long as the railroads that run through it. South Loop, the doorway to the Loop for South Siders, is one of the city’s first residential districts, dating to before the Chicago Fire of 1871. The South Loop today is home to schools, colleges, and universities, three of the city's largest museums, and some of the most popular restaurants and sights in Chicago. South Loop also holds Grant Skate Park, one of six skate parks in the city, and with its walkability and diverse transit options it has become a hub for the city's youth. With so many points of interest in this neighborhood, the list of “bests” is endless. (Chima Ikoro) Neighborhood captain Chima Ikoro is the community organizing editor at the Weekly.
BEST PARK TO PET DOGS THAT AREN’T YOURS
Fred Anderson Park
When I first began school in the South Loop, I found myself exploring between classes. One day, as I wandered down Wabash, I passed what looked like the perfect, low-key spot to practice on my skateboard. Streaks of paved white paths, small steps, and cliffs woven between green patches of grass drew me towards this park. However, I didn’t practice a single trick. Instead, I was greeted by dogs running freely and playing. It was a dog park. Fred Anderson Park is a 1.2-acre piece of the city that was acquired by the park district in 2015. This park is as human-friendly as it is dog-friendly, and is designed to accommodate all types of dogs and their specific needs. It has separate enclosed play areas for small and large dogs, and is riddled with tunnels and artificial turf, as well
as fountains and strips of concrete that create mini water parks. There are also picnic tables, and while they’re designed for humans it’s not uncommon to see dogs standing and jumping on them as they play. The style of the park makes the environment extremely welcoming, and both pet owners and the canine-free congregate on warm days to play and chat. The dogs are sociable and excited and the friendly atmosphere makes it the perfect place to pet random dogs if you need a furry fix. The park is named after the late Fred Anderson, who was a pillar of jazz music in Chicago and an internationally acclaimed musician. Anderson lived a few blocks from the park, and his famed club the Velvet Lounge, at 2821½ S. Indiana, welcomed musicians from around the world. The park features a small stage area for local artists to perform, a fitting legacy for a man who was a mentor to so many of Chicago’s young and up-and-coming musicians. (Chima Ikoro) Fred Anderson Park, 1611 S. Wabash Ave. Daily: 6am-9pm. (312) 328-0821. SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 ¬ SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY 79
