Winter Haven holds 'unleashing' event to open K9 Courtyard, downtown dog park

The Ledger
·1 min read
The K9 Courtyard dog park in Winter Haven is seen in a drone photo taken during Monday's opening event.
The K9 Courtyard dog park in Winter Haven is seen in a drone photo taken during Monday's opening event.

Winter Haven opened a downtown park, the K9 Courtyard, with an “unleashing” ceremony on Monday.

Julie Adams, director of the parks, recreation and culture department, initiated the ceremony, highlighting the city's growth and the need for a pet-friendly space, according to a news release. The K9 Courtyard complements the recent rise in pet-friendly residential properties and businesses, making the downtown area increasingly accommodating for dog owners and their companions, Adams said.

"We have many new downtown residential developments and area businesses that bring dogs to work, so the need for an off-leash area for dogs has grown," Adams in the release.

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The K9 Courtyard is located adjacent to the Chain of Lakes Trail. The secure, off-leash dog run provides mature shade and adjacent parking for easy access, the release said.

Mayor Brad Dantzler called the park an integral part of the city's continued growth and commitment to quality of life.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Winter Haven holds opening event for K9 Courtyard, downtown dog park