Recently I discovered a wonderful day escape where I can bring my dog Tanner in the St Petersburg, Florida area called Fort Desoto Park. Along with Fort Desoto’s Dog Beach is their top rated fenced dog park called Paws Park. If you click on this link you can view a virtual tour of Paws Park. The park includes a bathing station for rinsing dogs after their beach romp. The park is top notch with an enormous running area, benches, and tree shaded areas. According to it’s sign it was nominated as one of the top ten dog parks in the country. Fort Desoto Beach has also been rated as the number one beach in the country in both 2005 and 2008.
When visiting Paw’s Park and Dog Beach there are certain requirements for pets. Within Paw’s Park dogs can be unleased and can run freely in one of two areas, depending upon the size of the dog. On Dog Beach dogs may roam freely with owner supervision. When visiting Dog Beach owners will find a pet station with poop bags; what they will not find is a water source at the beach area. Water needs to be carried in for pets or poured into a container from home at nearby Paws Park. Both Paws Park and Dog Beach are relaxing and enjoyable environments for pets and their families on a day escape.
If visitors are interested in other Paws Parks within the Pinellas County area they can be viewed on the Pinellas Parks Website along with virtual tours of the parks.
Photo Credit: Lisa Overman