Dog-friendly Windermere is home to several dog parks and preserves where you can take your pet for extra exercise. Finding your dog’s new favorite spot might take some experimenting, but you can start with these six dog parks in the Windermere area.
Remember – If you’re planning to take your dog to a bark park you should ensure he/she is up-to-date on vaccinations, flea treatment, and heartworm medication. It’s also courteous, and sometimes required, that your pet is spayed or neutered to play in shared spaces.
Summerport Dog Park
Location: 14442 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd, Windermere, FL 34786 (Click for Directions)
Hours: Open 8am – 8pm (Spring / Summer), 8am – 6pm (Fall / Winter)
Why Did it Make the List?
This dog park has plenty of shade for dog owners watching their pets. The play spaces are divided by size, keeping dogs under 30 pounds safely tucked away from larger breeds. Another safety feature installed at Summerport is the double gates when bringing your dog into and out of the play yards. Summerport also has a timeout area for dogs that have gotten too excited when playing and need time to chill out.
Features:
Water Fountains
Shaded Seating
Off-Leash: Yes
Separated by Size: Yes
What You Miss Out On:
This part doesn’t seem to offer a wash station. If your dog has a knack for getting filthy when playing it’s a good idea to bring along wipes or towels.
Independence Park
Location: 5849 New Independence Pkwy Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Click for Directions)
Hours: Open 8am – 8pm (Spring / Summer), 8am – 6pm (Fall / Winter)
Why Did it Make the List?
Independence Park has a fenced-in play yard for dogs to enjoy which is equipped with plenty of community toys to pick from. If you’d prefer to get in exercise with your dog you can take to the walking trails. Water stations and a timeout area are additional features that dog owners can take advantage of.
Features:
Water Fountains
Agility Equipment
Off-Leash: Yes
Separated by Size: No
What You Miss Out On:
Independence Park is another dog park in the Windermere area that doesn’t have a wash station at the park. If you plan on bringing your dog here don’t forget wipes or a towel to clean your pup when its time to go home.
R.D. Keene Park
Location: 10900 Chase Rd, Windermere, FL 34786 (Click for Directions)
Hours: Open 6:30am – 8pm (Spring / Summer), 6:30am – 6pm (Fall / Winter)
Why Did it Make the List?
This quiet little spot has space to walk your dog amongst the greater portion of the park which features a playground and boat ramp. If you’re looking for a calm, shaded space without the bells and whistles of a more renovated spot, then this park is great for you.
There are dog waste disposal stations if you forget to supply your own bags.
Features:
Shaded Seating
Off-Leash: No
Separated by Size: No
What You Miss Out On:
There is no play equipment or water access, so if you’re looking to play catch with your dog you should consider bringing along some of their own toys.
Clermont Dog Park at Lake Hiawatha Preserve
Location: 450 12th St, Clermont, FL 34711 (Click for Directions)
Hours: Open 6am – 8pm (Monday – Sunday)
Why Did it Make the List?
Like most other Orlando spots, this dog park offers two separate spaces for large and small dogs to play. It provides plenty of shade, seating, and water. The grass tends to be more sparse in this park, but a dog wash station is provided to clean up your dog before the drive home.
While the preserve doesn’t officially provide toys and water kiddie pools, owners have reported other owners leaving theirs behind to share.
Features:
Water Fountains
Shaded Seating
Off-Leash: Yes
Separated by Size: Yes
What You Miss Out On:
Some pet owners report kiddie pools being left behind, but if your dog prefers to play in the water this park does not provide consistent water access.
Lake Street Park
Location: E 4th Ave, Windermere, FL 34786 (Click for Directions)
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Why Did it Make the List?
This dog-friendly park isn’t a go-to for off-leash play but it’s perfect for walking trails. This spot has a dock and a trail surrounding the central point, a lake, which you can walk. There’s enough shade to keep cool on warmer days. Another benefit of this spot is it’s short distance from downtown Windermere, making it a prime location to walk with your dog before checking out a canine-friendly cafe.
Features:
Shaded Seating
Off-Leash: No
Separated by Size: No
What You Miss Out On:
There are no waste stations available so be sure to bring your waste bags with you to pick up after your dog.
West Orange Dog Park
Location: 12400 Marshall Farms Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (Click for Directions)
Hours: Open 6am – 8pm (Monday – Sunday)
Why Did it Make the List?
West Orange Dog Park has plenty of canine amenities to pick from. There is play equipment, a doggy pool, and grassy space to run in. On hot days you can make sure your dog is staying hydrated with the available water fountains.
Owners can enjoy shaded seating and the security of play yards split by size. If your dog gets too rambunctious there is even a timeout pen to keep them separated from other dogs while they calm down.
Features:
Water Fountains
Water Access
Shaded Seating
Wash Station
Agility Equipment
Off-Leash: Yes
Separated by Size: Yes
What You Miss Out On:
This park offers plenty to pick from, but if you’re hoping to take your dog hiking this might not be the best park for you.
