Gilchrist Heights Dog Park

A Dog Park rules brochure is available on request by e-mail to recinfo@plantcitygov.com or by telephone at 813-659-4255 weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please read through the rules below before visiting the Gilchrist Heights Dog Park!

• Located at 905 North Knight Street , off East Calhoun Street (map below)
• Hours of operation: sunrise to sunset
• No registration or pass needed
• 16,300 square foot fenced area divided into two play areas:
  • Small dogs - 7,300 square feet
  • Large dogs - 9,000 square feet

Dog Park Rules

All references to the word “Guardian(s)” in these Dog Park Rules shall mean the owners, custodians and/or caregivers of the dog(s) visiting the Dog Park.

1. Dog Park hours are sunrise to sunset daily.

2. Enter the dog park at your own risk!  The City does not actively supervise the use of the dog park area.  Anyone using the dog park area does so at his/her own risk.  Guardians agree that by using the dog park they are assuming the full risk of any injuries, damages or loss connected with or associated with use of the dog park.  Owners (and in some cases, Guardians) are legally and financially responsible for their dogs and any injuries, damage or loss caused by them.

3. Dogs that dangerous or aggressive are prohibited.  Dogs showing aggression towards people and/or other dogs, as determined by City personnel or volunteers, will be removed from the dog park.

4. All Guardians must have proof of their dog’s current rabies vaccination.  Dogs must wear their collar and ID tag at all times.  The Bordetella vaccination for your dog is also encouraged.

5. Children must be at least 6 years of age and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian to enter the dog park.  Children ages 6-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult and must have a dog to enter the dog park area.

6. Puppies under four months old are not permitted in the park for their safety and health.

7. Limit of two dogs per person per visit.

8. Dogs in heat are not allowed in or around the dog park.

9. Proper pick-up and disposal of feces is required (Plant City Code, Section 50-1 (9).

10. Dogs must be on a leash when entering and exiting the dog park (Plant City Code, Section 50-4 (8).  Guardians must carry a leash for each dog while inside the dog park and the dog(s) must be under voice command at all times.

11. Animals other than dogs are not allowed in the dog park.

12. All Guardians must remain in the dog park with their dog(s) at all times.  Guardians shall not abandon their dog(s) in accordance of Florida State Statute 828.13.

13. Dogs that bark persistently, annoy, or provoke other dogs or persons must be removed from the premises.

14. Mounting can initiate a potentially harmful situation.  The Guardian of any dog displaying mounting behavior must immediately leash and remove the dog from the dog park.

15. Guardians must stop dogs from digging and must immediately fill all holes caused by the dogs.

16. Climbing on or over the fence and between play areas is not permitted.

17. No smoking, food (dog or human), or rawhides are allowed in the dog park.  Guardians must use caution when bringing dog toys into the dog park since fights could erupt.

18. No alcoholic beverages (Plant City Code, Section 10-2) or glass containers are allowed in the dog park.

19. City staff has the authority to close the dog park or sections of the dog park for any reason including maintenance, mowing, weather related problems, special events or for the public’s and dog’s safety and/or health.

20. City staff and Hillsborough County Animal Services personnel have the authority to enforce posted rules.  Violation of the rules may result in suspension of the Guardian and/or the dog from the dog park and even trespassing charges being filed. The decision on whether to suspend or trespass shall be the sole discretion of the City’s personnel.

Please report any problems encountered to us during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays) to the City of Plant City Parks & Recreation Department Administrative Office at 813-659-4255.

Any extreme situations regarding aggressive dog behavior, please contact the Plant City Police Department at 813-757-9200.

Any medical emergencies, dial 9-1-1.