Plant City pet owners have a new space where they can unleash their furry friends for safe exercise and playtime.
Plant City’s dog park, on the north side of East Calhoun Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Knight Street, is now open. Though some residential areas in town have private dog parks, this is the only public space designed specifically for canine pets.
The 16,000-square-foot park has separate fenced-in areas for big dogs and small dogs. Each area has a water station, picnic table and a waste bag dispenser.
“There’s already been citizens and dogs using the facility, so we’re pleased to make this announcement,” City Manager Mike Herr said about the park’s opening.
Construction on the park started in May 2013, beginning with the parking area, using leftover materials from another city project. There was money remaining in the budget that was used to purchase fencing. Jack Holland, director of Recreation and Parks, found ways to reuse some existing park equipment that had been held in storage, such as picnic tables and trash receptacles.
“It was basically an unfunded project where we were able to scrape materials from other projects,” City Engineer Brett Gocka said.
The only remaining cost is materials and labor for the installation of a bridge that will allow pedestrian access to permanent parking on Knight Street. Gocka estimates this cost at $50,000. For now, temporary parking is available on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Recreation and Parks Department has released a list of 20 rules for use of the dog park.
The most important rule is that guardians must clean up after their dogs. This is a law in accordance with Plant City Code, Section 50-1(9).
Other rules are intended to keep dogs and humans safe at the park. For example, dangerous or aggressive dogs are prohibited. Dogs must wear collars with ID tags and proof of current rabies vaccination. Puppies younger than 4 months old are not allowed to enter. And, there is no food allowed in the park for humans or dogs, nor rawhide chew toys.
The list of rules was developed based on rules at other municipal dog parks in Hillsborough County. They will be enforced by police and Recreation and Parks staff, but it will usually be a park user’s responsibility to report problems he or she observes.
Body Language
You might know your pet’s own methods of communication inside and out, but it is important to be able to understand other dogs as well. Before taking your dog to socialize, be aware of these canine body language tips.
• A dog licking its nose could be indicating stress.
• If your dog is yawning, he or she is nervous, not tired.
• Stretching is a friendly greeting.
• Ears pressed back against the head, with a cowering posture, shows anxiousness.
Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.