Sanford’s new Paw Park spot draws inspiration from dogs
Paw Park was designed with dogs in mind, from the entrances that feature paw prints on the archway sign and ground to the pawprinted agility equipment, pup sculptures and recreational fire hydrants. And the park itself — part of the large dog yard, that is — is shaped like a paw print.
This space in the heart of Sanford is loaded with amenities, making it a popular spot for locals with pooches in tote.
427 S. French Ave. in Sanford
7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
There is limited off-street parking surrounding the park.
Pups weighing 30 pounds and less are welcome to use the small dog yard, while those 30 pounds and more can utilize the large canine area.
There are four doggy doo stations in the large dog area and one in the small pooch yard. In addition to these pet waste stations, there are five trash cans in the big pup area and two in the other yard.
Hydration is clearly a priority at this park. There are four water stations — a mix of dog-only fountains as well hybrid water fountains that provide water for humans above and dogs below — for big pooches and one hybrid station for tinier canines. Some of the stations also have a hose attached that can be used to fill freestanding water bowls or to clean dirty dogs.
There six benches in the large yard and four in the other. All sit atop pavement in the shape of a bone.
Both yards have double-gated entries, which helps inhibit escape artists. But while there is only one entrance to the small dog area, there are three for the large pups — which makes entering the park convenient from multiple directions.
Large trees provide ample shade for those looking to avoid a sunburn, but there are also sunny spots. Each yard features grass and mulch surrounding a concrete path that surrounds more grass and mulch, so you can get down and dirty or avoid the mess by sticking to the path. Both also have lampposts, which helps light each side as it grows darker.
The yard for pups 30 pounds and under is quite a bit smaller than the large dog area, but it still has ample room for canines to roam and features two agility ramps, a dog version of Grant Wood’s American Gothic painting and a recreational fire hydrant, complete with a paw print.
Bigger pooches have
afew more options: a faux hydrant, agility loops, stand, tunnel, ramp, jump and
steps — all emblazoned with dogs, paw prints or bones. Plus, there’s a bulletin board that features announcements as well as a map of the park that shows the center of the large dog yard is shaped like a paw.
But one of the most unique parts of the park is a sculpture of two cats in a tree with two dogs trying to get to them. There’s also fencing in the center featuring paintings of dogs with their names below (Edo, Aramis, Bane and Faro) as well as canine-inspired sayings — like “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole” — either donated by an entity or in memory of a deceased pet.
Pooches can be unleashed once inside the park.
Free sanfordfl.gov