Lee County dog parks begin size restrictions within large, small dog areas

Author: Lee Country press release
Published: Updated:
Credit: WINK News.

Dog owners know visiting Lee County Parks & Recreation sites with their canine companions can bring hours of fun, whether at one of six designated dog parks with off-leash areas or at other dog-friendly parks that welcome on-leash exploring.

Five of the six dog parks offer designated areas specifically for large dogs and for small dogs. (Dog Beach, 14436 Bonita Beach Causeway, is a natural area with no designated areas.)

LINK: Dog Parks in Lee County 

To better assist park visitors, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved amendments to a County park ordinance Tuesday to allow the establishment of size limits within the large and small dog areas at off-leash dog parks.

The small dog areas will now welcome dogs 18 inches and under at the shoulder, while larger dogs will be welcomed in the corresponding area. Rangers and staff will begin educating park patrons immediately; the ordinance will take effect when it is filed with the Secretary of State, typically in about 10 days. The county will post signs to remind visitors of the size limits. In addition to the off-leash areas, more than 40 Lee County Parks & Recreation sites allow dogs that are on-leash as long as the dogs and their companions follow a few rules. For details, visit leeparks.org/dogs before venturing out.

Of course, for everyone’s best day at the park, dogs that behave aggressively are not allowed, regardless of size.

Parks employees and Lee County Domestic Animal Services officers are authorized to enforce the ordinance.

Additional information:

  • There are six fenced-in dog parks that allow for off-leash play.
  • On-leash dog walking is allowed at many locations.
  • Dogs must be accompanied by an adult and must remain on-leash at all times while walking in the park.
  • Dogs are not permitted on playgrounds, ballfields, dugouts, bleachers, lakes/ponds, swimming pools, water parks, indoor buildings, areas where food is handled, and other areas with posted signs.
  • Dogs must not act in an aggressive manner and must not be permitted to destroy park property or disturb wildlife.
  • Dogs must be wearing a collar with a valid Lee County License.

In addition to dog-friendly facilities, Lee County Parks & Recreation operates four recreation centers, 10 community centers, community parks, Conservation 20/20 lands, greenways, the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, four year-round pools, seven boat ramps, sports complexes including the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins spring training facilities and Gulf of Mexico beach parks.

Call 239-533-7275 or visit leeparks.org.

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