Leon County Opens Latest Dog Park on Valentine’s Day

Leon County Opens Latest Dog Park on Valentine’s Day

Today, Valentine’s Day, Leon County held a ribbon cutting ceremony in J. Lee Vause Park for the opening of its latest dog park. Community dogs were invited to attend with their humans in tow to help celebrate this great new County facility.

“Building upon the success of the recently opened Bradfordville Dog Park, we are thrilled to offer another recreation spot in the county for citizens and their pets,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Bryan Desloge. “And this is only the latest dog park—stay tuned for more amenities like this one across the County!”

The entire dog park is just under 1.5 acres with a small dog area of half an acre. The new dog park was strategically designed to be placed in a wooded area that provides ample natural shade.

“Today’s dog park opening is a credit to the County’s Parks and Recreation team,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “They work every day to bring our community together, and this new dog park also demonstrates the County’s commitment to improving quality of life for all our citizens—furry or otherwise!

Amenities within the dog park include a drinking fountain with a dog water bowl attachment and several benches. In addition, the park features a log tunnel, jumping hoop and a “Pug Shot” photo booth to add to the fun.

“The new J. Lee Vause dog park is a great addition for not only Northwest Leon County, but our entire community,” said Leon County District 3 Commissioner Rick Minor. “The park already offers a playground and picnic areas, and with the addition of the dog park, the whole family (furry and otherwise) can enjoy this beautiful place.”

Dozens of residents and their dogs attended the Valentine’s Day ribbon cutting ceremony. In addition, local animal organization Big Dog Rescue was in attendance with adoptable dogs and pupcakes and other sweet treats were provided by Lucy and Leo’s Bakery. 

“This new dog park means so much to me and the surrounding community,” said local resident Terry Milla. “Many residents with big and small dogs can enjoy this new feature, and I’m looking forward to bringing my dogs here to play, socialize and even learn a few new tricks!”

Leon County encourages all attendees and future visitors to share their dog park experience on social media utilizing #LCDogPark and #VauseBarkPark. For further questions or concerns about Leon County Dog Parks, visit LeonCountyFL.gov/DogPark.

For more information, please contact Leigh Davis, Leon County Parks and Recreation, at (850) 606-1475 or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.