It’s a Dog’s Life
Until that happens Hollywood, Florida has a lot to offer. And I’m happy to say that one of the things that impressed me the most – silly though it may sound – are parks that cater to dogs!
Having spent so much time in Europe and particularly in Italy, I can tell you that canines don’t garner even a fraction of the attention they do in Florida. You’re not going to find a dog park that’s for sure! All the more reason to know that if you visit Hollywood, Florida (and I hope you do) you’re dog is in for a real treat. The dog parks mentioned below are open from dusk to dawn, seven days a week, and allow leash-less play. All the dog parks in Hollywood, Florida are FREE. And by the way, your dog must have a current rabies vaccination and license and any pooch younger than 4 months is not allowed.
First up is the Markham Park Dog Park (16001 W. State Road 84). This also happens to be South Florida’s first established park for dogs. The Dog Park at Markham Park is approximately 4-acres in size and has two areas to accommodate dogs of different sizes and weights. The park has 8-foot-wide asphalt paths, three shelters, drinking fountains for dog handlers and for dogs, and a centrally located “dog-wash” area accessible to both small and large dogs. Other dog park rules are posted at the park’s entrance. The Markham Park Dog Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
As a side note, for those of you on two feet instead of four, Markham Park offers a series of interlocking lakes which afford opportunities for fishing and boating, including two ramps, one with access to the Everglades Conservation Area. There’s also a swimming pool complex with mist pool, snack bar, lockers, showers and restrooms, as well as a tennis/racquetball center, a biking/jogging path and volleyball areas. Picnic facilities include several shelters for rent, as well as tables and grills throughout the park. A campground offers 86 sites for tent and RV camping, some with water and electricity and some with full hook-ups.
The Pembroke Pines Dog Park (9751 Johnson St., Pembroke Pines) is next on my list of great places to take your dog. Open to the canine public in 2001, the Pembroke Pines Dog Park is another “leashless” park for canines and it is not uncommon to see dogs of all shapes and sizes running and frolicking around this 2.5-acre field. Dogs can run free, chase tennis balls and Frisbees and enjoy four “doggie pools” where they can cool down with a bath or get a drink. I tell ya, it may be a “dog’s life” but it’s not half bad when you think about it.
Te Pembroke Pines Dog Park also features dog water fountains and doggie exercise equipment.
There is an element of human responsibility present. And that involves cleaning up after Fido. Owners can use bags provided at all trash receptacles.
Finally for dog-owners there is Poinciana Dog Park (at Plunkett Street and S. 21st Ave., Hollywood). Poinciana provides a location to stretch a pet’s legs as well as a pleasant spot for their human owners to go for a walk, enjoy a picnic or play a little basketball. Poinciana Dog Park also has beautiful Poinciana trees – hence the name. The dog park is a huge area of open grass with lots of trees for the dogs to run. The park is surrounded by a walking path and there are several benches in the shade of huge trees to sit and watch. There is a hose and pools for washing and playing. Dog-poop bags and cans provided throughout the park. The Poinciana Dog Park is double gated so there are no accidental escapes. Dogs of all sizes are together which can be fun to watch hen the dogs are well-mannered but can be a real nightmare when aggressive dogs and their equally aggressive owners show up.
I often wonder when it comes to dogs and their owners just who is walking who?
Hollywood, Florida isn’t the only city that has dog-friendly parks. The cities of Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Oakland Park, Pompano Beach, North Lauderdale and Sunrise have dog parks as well.
