Meadowood Paw Park in Zephyrhills: Zephyrhills, Florida Dog Parks

It's a lovely summer day and you'd like to take your best friend out for some fun. However, the thought of sticking my dogs in a car for a long drive to a Tampa to find a dog friendly park is not something I enjoy. Fortunately, Zephyrhills has created a lovely small dog park in a very nice location so that I no longer have to dread the long drive.

Meadowood Dog Park is located at Alston and Meadowood across the street from the Zephyrhills Golf Course. You can get there many ways but the easiest is to take South Avenue out to 20th Street and head south to Alston, turn left and follow the road around, past the ball field and you will see it on the right side of the road.

The park offers two sides, one for larger dogs and one for smaller, more timid dogs. I have seen tiny little Yorkies run with the biggest and best of them on the large breed side, so I guess it's up to your dog to decide. The first time we took our small 20lb. cocker spaniel there we took her into the large dog side. There were probably about eight dogs from miniature breeds to an 80lb mix breed all frolicking and playing keep away with a stick. However, all my dog wanted to do was get up in my arms. We discovered she's not very sociable and would rather do without. Now, if you happen to have a dog that loves to play with others and plays well with others, then this is the park for you. Whenever I visit the park now, I just take her right to the small breed side where she feels a little more in control, but she's still a big baby and just wants to hang with mom and dad.

There are benches available on both sides for the humans to sit and watch their babies play. Trash bags and garbage cans are also available to dispose of your dogs well, disposables. Grass is a little limited on the larger breed side, but that's mostly due to lots of use and lots of shade trees. Your dogs may also enjoy relieving themselves on one of the cute faux firehydrants set on each side. You'll also find a hose at the entrance to make sure your dog stays hydrated and cool. Just outside the entrance gate is a lovely small playground in case you bring your human kids, which has a water fountain for you and the pooch.

The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. There are, of course, some rules you need to abide, but they aren't always followed. Please be aware of these rules and try to follow them so that everyone can enjoy the park for years to come. The following list of rules was provided by the City of Zephyrhills and are as follows:

• Park users and dog owners assume all risks related to the use of this park.

• Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

• Children under 5 years are not permitted in the fenced off-leash areas due to health & safety concerns.

• Animals other than dogs are not permitted.

• Dog (s) must be leashed when entering and exiting fenced off-leash areas.

• Choke chain type collars are prohibited.

• No more than two (2) dogs per handler.

• Small breed dogs (less than 25 lbs.) must remain in the small dog designated area when off leash.

• Large breed dogs (more than 26 lbs.) must remain in the large dog designated area when off leash.

• Dog owners must remain in the fenced enclosure with their dog (s), carry a leash, keep within sight of the dog (s) and the dog (s) shall be under the control of visual or oral commands when off leash at all times.

• All dogs must be legally licensed, have current vaccinations and wear a collar with visible license tag at all times.

• Dogs that have been declared dangerous or aggressive are strictly prohibited (F.S.S. 767).

• Dog (s) must be removed at first signs of aggression.

• Female dogs in heat are prohibited.

• Dogs under the age of six (6) months are prohibited.

• Dog feces must be picked up immediately using pet litter bags and disposed of properly in trash receptacles. Re: City Ord. # 932-05.

• Dog owners must immediately fill any hole their dog (s) dig.• All food and treats (both human and pet) are prohibited within the fenced off leash areas

Hope to see you and your furry pals at the park!