Puptown

06/02/2026

Friends,

We have heard from many of you regarding concerns about public safety in Puptown and around Margate Park.

Please remember that if you see an act of violence or sense a threat, call 911. Or if you witness acts of drug use, drug dealing or prostitution (unfortunately we have confirmed incidents of these behaviors), call 911. It is best to have an official record of these incidents in order to facilitate a stronger response to your concerns.

Also note that a concerned neighbor group has started a petition to request the City to host an Accelerated Moving Event to get tent residents into housing. You can log your concerns and any public safety incidents on this site:

https://margate-park-restore.replit.app/

Thank you.

Restore Margate Park Coalition — built on Replit. Update this description to reflect the app.

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

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