A Park to Bark About: County Opens Dog Park at ARP

Today, Leon County Government opened its newest pup-friendly destination, the Apalachee Regional Park (ARP) Dog Park, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments for people and pups, and plenty of tail-wagging fun on the County’s first public dog agility course.
 
“Dog parks are more than just green spaces; they’re places where community happens,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. “We’re proud to provide a place where residents and their pets can train, play, and connect in an innovative and welcoming environment.”
 
Located at 7550 Apalachee Parkway, the new two-acre dog park features separate areas for large and small dogs, four shaded structures, and two dog rinsing stations. Additionally, the two-acre dog park is the largest open-space dog park in the county and features the region’s first public dog agility course that offers fun, training, and engagement for pups of all sizes. The park is now open daily from sunrise to sunset.
 
“Dogs officially have a new favorite spot in Leon County,” said Commissioner David O’Keefe. “The ARP Dog Park isn’t just a win for District 5—it’s a win for wagging tails all across the county. Apalachee Regional Park keeps getting better, and now our four-legged friends get to be part of the fun too.”
 
Designed with safety and fun in mind, the dog agility course at the Apalachee Regional Park Dog Park is packed with paws-on training elements, including the Rover Jump Over, Paws Table, Hoop Jump, King of the Hill, Weave Posts, Stepping Paws, and Doggie Crawl.
 
“Leon County continues to invest in spaces that bring people and pets together and foster a sense of community,” said County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “From world-class athletic facilities to best-in-the-region dog parks, Leon County is proud to offer residents more ways to enjoy what matters to them most.”
 
Dozens of residents and their furry friends enjoyed the paws-itively perfect park opening, which also featured information on pet adoptions hosted from the Leon County Humane Society.
 
“This new dog park is unique in its amenities and boasts an innovative space for dogs to play, train, and engage with their owners in a recreational space,” said Leon County Parks and Recreation Director Amanda Heidecker. “The park’s placement at ARP was no accident. The ARP facility is highly recognized locally and nationally, and this addition continues to take the space to the next level.”
 
For more information on the County’s Apalachee Regional Park and dog park, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/ARP.
 
“Leon County continues to create incredible spaces like the new ARP Dog Park that benefit both pets and people,” said Leon County Humane Society Executive Director Lisa Glunt. “We were thrilled to be a part of today’s celebration and to help more animals find loving homes.”
 
For more information, please contact Amanda Heidecker, Leon County Parks and Recreation, at (850) 606-1475 / HeideckerA@LeonCountyfl.gov, or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.

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