2022 Fall Newcomers Guide
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1504028
There is nothing dogs like better than running around with their owners and socializing with other canines. There are dog specific parks and dog-friendly parks across Southwest Florida. Just be sure to check the websites to famil- iarize yourself with the rules. Among the rules: Animals should not disturb other park users, other animals or resources by being noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive. They also may not be left unattended in parked vehicles or be tethered to any tree, plant, building or park equipment. Some city parks, beaches, piers and playgrounds don't allow any dogs unless they are service dogs. Most dog parks require dogs be vaccinated and display current tags in accordance with state law and county ordinance. Some require leashes or that small dogs and large dogs play in separate areas. Also, don't forget to clean up after your pup. Hounds on Henry at 1098 W Virginia Ave. in Punta Gorda, the Canine Club Dog Park at 6442 Appomattox Dr in North Port, Edgewater Paw Park at 22410 Glass Lane in Port Charlotte and Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Paw Park at 6791 San Casa Drive in Englewood have leash-free areas. Brohard Paw Park at 1850 S. Harbor Drive in Venice not only has places for dogs to run, but they have their own beach access too. A SAMPLING OF PLACES WHERE DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON A LEASH: • Alice Park, 802 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda • Bayshore Live Oak Park, 23157 Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte • Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park, 1688 Gasparilla Road, Rotonda • Harbour Heights Park, 27420 Voyageur Drive, Punta Gorda • Indian Mound Park, 210 Winson Ave., Englewood NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE 57 dog friendly-parks DON'T FORGET TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PUP While on public property, any person owning or caring for a pet is responsible for the cleanup and sanitary disposal of canine fecal matter. Animals may not be left unattended in parked vehicles or be tethered to any tree, plant, building or park equipment. Animals must be vaccinated in accor- dance with state law and licensed pursu- ant to local county ordinance. Animals which disturb other park users, other animals or resources by being noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will be considered a public nuisance. FILE PHOTO While soaking up the sun, golden retriever Daisy (left) waits her turn, as German shorthair pointer Jose takes a cool dip at Hounds on Henry Dog Park in Punta Gorda. • Jelks Preserve, 2300 N. River Road, Venice • Kiwanis Park, 501 Donora St., Port Charlotte • Laishley Park, 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda • Lemon Bay Park and Environment Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood • Legacy Trail (with various access points in North Port and Venice) • Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota • Nature Park, 1555 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda • Nokomis RiverviewPark, 251 Riverview Drive S., Nokomis • North Charlotte Regional Park, 1185 O'Donnell Blvd., Port Charlotte • Ollie's Pond Park, 18235 Avon Ave., Port Charlotte • Pittman Park, 400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda • Port Charlotte Beach Park, 4500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte • Punta Gorda Pathways (There are three segments: Harborwalk, Linear Park and shared-use paths in 18 miles throughout the city limits.) • Randy Spence Park, 4333 Kerrigan Circle, Port Charlotte • Woodmere Dog Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice FILE PHOTO Brohard Beach Paw Park is a great place to take your dog.