There are a ton of fun things to do in Gainesville, and living in apartments near UF places you in the heart of it all! Better yet, beyond offering plenty of incredible places for students to explore, Gainesville has some great places for students’ furry friends to enjoy themselves as well. Below, Contemporary Management Concepts, LLLP, recommends four of the best dog parks near the University of Florida for students and their canine companions to check out.
Looking for apartments in Gainesville that will welcome you and your pup? Contact our property management company today to schedule a tour of one of our pet friendly apartments!
Possum Creek is an off-leash dog park that’s especially nice for dogs who prefer to play within their weight class, as there are separate fenced-in areas for large dogs and small dogs. This park features wide-open play spaces for dogs to chase each other around in, perfect for getting your pup plenty of exercise. If you’re looking to get some exercise as well, there are two nature trails on which owners can take their pups for a short hike.
Squirrel Ridge Park features a vast fenced-in area for dogs to run around in, as well as a water spigot, plenty of trees, and shaded seating areas where owners can kick back, relax, and socialize with other dog lovers while their pups play. Got a dog that loves to dig? Squirrel Ridge Park has sandpits where your furry little archaeologists can excavate to their heart’s content. Additionally, Squirrel Ridge Park is undergoing some renovations and will soon feature new and exciting amenities such as agility equipment and dog wash stations.
Forest Park has a smaller dog park than the previous two and doesn’t get as many visitors, but that’s what makes it perfect for puppies. A smaller area makes it easier for owners to keep an eye on their rambunctious puppies, and fewer dogs around means you don’t have to worry about overwhelming the little fella. Forest Park also has plenty of doggy bags, trash cans, and water fountains, and kiddie pools that pups can splash around in.
Tom Petty Park has plenty to do for humans and dogs alike. Local dog owners also say this park is a great place to bring small dogs, as it also has separated areas for bigger dogs and smaller dogs. The dog park here is dotted with large trees that provide plenty of shade for keeping you and your dogs cool on even the hottest of days. This dog park is immaculate as it provides visitors with plenty of doggy bags and trash cans, which people are pretty good about using. There’s also plenty of drinking water for humans and pets, as well as benches where you can sit and watch Fido play. Overall, this is a lovely, serene dog park where people and their pets will enjoy spending their time.