TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay-area dogs and their dog parents have a new place to play.
Officials unveiled a new 10,600-square-foot dog park at Henry and Ola Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. It is now the 17th dog park in the city.
"We are delighted that this wonderful project has been completed," Parks and Recreation Manager Ted Fowler said in a statement. "The Parks and Recreation Department is proud that this fantastic dog park will provide a place for pets and their humans to have fun and socialize."
Construction on the project began in late 2023 with a budget of $150,000. City leaders say funding is going toward fencing, irrigation and building a turf entry area.
There is more seating availability in the area for visitors with the addition of two 4-foot benches, one 6-foot bench and a picnic table.
Dogs with disabilities now have access to an additional accessible dog fountain.
A dog waste station and a trash can are also being added to the new park.
The Planning, Design and Natural Resources division in Parks and Recreation and the Green Team are enhancing the scenery by planting three red maple trees and 42 pink muhly grass. The trees should reach 60 feet tall when fully grown.
"It also provides a sense of community for everyone in the neighborhood to be able to come down, talk about what's going on in the neighborhood, make new friendships and those relationships that build a successful neighborhood," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said during the ceremony.