County Dog Parks Get Pets and People off their Leash

Dog parks are catching on nationwide. Hillsborough County is among those leading the pack.

Dogs roam free and interact at the enclosed parks, which are almost as popular with people as they are with pets. While the dogs romp, their owners talk. After all, they have at least one thing in common: their canine companions.

Hillsborough County's dog parks have separate areas for large and small dogs. They are open from sunrise to sunset, and have water fountains for people and pets.

Here are the County's six dog parks:

• Mango Dog Park, 11717 Clay Pit Road, in Seffner. It has shelters, picnic tables, dog washes, a hitching post, and restrooms.
• Logan Gate Dog Park, 7374 Monterey Blvd., in the Logan Gate neighborhood in Citrus Park. There are shelters, picnic tables, dog washes, and a hitching post.
• Carolyn Meeker Dog Park, 122 First Ave. SW, in Lutz. It features shelters, picnic tables, dog washes, a hitching post, and public parking.
• Northwest County Dog Park, 8951 W. Waters Ave., in the Town 'N Country area. It has artificial turf in high-traffic areas, shelters, picnic tables, dog washes, and a hitching post.
• West Dog Park, 6402 Occident St., next to the Northwest Little League complex. There are shelters, picnic tables, dog washes, and a hitching post.
• Apollo Beach Dog Park, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd., in Apollo Beach. It has shelters, picnic tables, dog washes, and a hitching post.

Dog parks have evolved since Hillsborough County opened its first one, Mango Dog Park in Seffner, nearly 17 years ago. Northwest County Dog Park, which opened last summer, has artificial turf around a pavilion, and agility equipment for dogs' exercise and entertainment.

The County hopes to open more dog parks. The goal is to place them within easy walking or driving distance of residents throughout the County.