Meadow Woods Dog Park

Orlando, Florida. The name of the town is synonymous with "vacation." And why not? There's Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Epcot Center, among other theme parks. And beyond theme parks, there are restaurants and bars. There is no end to things to do in Orlando. If you're a human, that is.

If you're a dog, things are a little different. Unless you're a working dog, you aren't going to be welcome in most of the big-name amusements. And even if you were welcome, you probably wouldn't want to be there. Dogs don't generally find a bunch of strange people yelling joyfully and often half-drunk to be as amusing as we do.

So if you're a vacationer headed to Orlando, maybe it's not the best place to take your dog on vacation. But if you live in the Orlando area, there are places you can go with your dog that don't involve roller coasters or Mickey Mouse. And one of those places is Meadow Woods Dog Park.

Meadow Woods Park is a nice, suburban park with walking paths, a small lake, and appropriate landscaping. Because this is Florida, there are also signs warning of alligators. So, that may deter you from walking along the lake. Fortunately, though, there is a nice, secure dog park that is well-fenced for you and your buddy.

The dog park at Meadow Woods has everything you need from a dog park, and nothing you don't. The park is large and divided into two parts, with one for smaller dogs under 30 pounds. The park is well-sized, at almost two acres, and is a broad, flat, grassy meadow. Occasionally, especially in the summer, drainage can be an issue, so be prepared for muddy days. Fortunately, for muddy paws, there is a wash station just outside the park.

Meadow Woods Dog Park is well-equipped with poop bags and water fountains for you and your buddy. There are a couple of covered benches in the large section, but there is no cover in the smaller section. Local volunteers routinely bring in extra tennis balls and a swimming pool in the summer, and people are welcome to bring lawn chairs, so long as they are removed. Otherwise, seating is at a premium.

The Meadow Woods Park offers lots of parking and flat, paved walking trails, most of which don't go near the lake. Feel free to enjoy the beautiful flowers and landscaping outside the park, but remember to keep your dog leashed when she's not in the fenced dog park.