Miami-Dade County Parks Opens a New Dog-Friendly Park in Coral Gables

(MIAMI, March 19, 2014) - The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County District 7 Commissioner Xavier L. Suarez, announce that Chapman Field Park, located at 13601 Deering Bay Drive in Coral Gables, has opened a new Dog-Friendly Park for leashed dogs.  

The nine-acre site spans from the entrance at the canoe launch to the open-field area within the turn-around at the eastern edge of the property. The site contains “doggie-bag” dispensers and trash cans, as well as signs to remind visitors of proper park etiquette, leash and dog waste laws. 

“As a dog owner, this new park for our four-legged friends adds a valuable amenity to our community and enhances our recreational appeal,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. 

“I am very excited about this new park improvement. This is a quality of life addition for people with dogs in this neighborhood. They now have an opportunity to take daily walks together, in a peaceful park setting,” said Commissioner Suarez. 

“Park spaces like this are great for residents who enjoy being outdoors with their canine companions. We encourage them to make regular visits to this park,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys. 

The project cost was $25,119 and was funded by the “Building Better Communities” General Obligation Bond Program. 

The 566-acre-waterfront park also features 350 acres of pristine mangrove forest, a canoe launch and three lighted ball fields.  

For directions to Chapman Field Park, call 305-665-3837, or visit Miami-Dade Parks on the web at www.miamidade.gov/parks. 

About Miami-Dade County Parks’ Dog Recreation Areas:

In 2007, Miami-Dade County developed a plan to construct several Dog or “Paw” Parks throughout the county, in response to community request for these facilities.  To help dog lovers enjoy their fun-loving barking pets outdoors Miami-Dade Parks offers three different types of parks to play in: Dog Friendly Parks for leashed dogs, and Dog Parks and Dog Run Parks where dogs can freely roam within a fenced-off area. 

Dog owners can now stroll, run and play with their leashed dogs at 15 neighborhood Dog-Friendly Parks that provide bag dispensers and waste baskets for owners to clean up after their dogs.  Miami-Dade County Parks’ Dog-Friendly Parks include:  Acadia Park, Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park, Coral Villas Park, Chapman Field Park, Deerwood Bonita Lakes Park, Highland Oaks Park, Kevin Broils Park, Kings Meadow Park, Military Trail Park, Olympic Park, Rockdale Park, San Jacinto Park, Snapper Creek Park, Spanish Lake Park, Tamiami Trail Park, and West Kendale Lakes Park. 

Miami-Dade County Parks has five regional Dog Parks: Haulover Park, Tropical Park, Amelia Earhart Park, Greynolds Park, and West Kendall District Park.  There are also two Dog-Run Parks, at A.D. “Doug” Barnes Park and Lago Mar Park, where dogs can freely run around unleashed in fenced, open fields.  

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department: 

Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors.  Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.  For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.liveaparklife.org.

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