Founder's Park Dog Park
Or call (305) 853-1685 or email IFP@islamorada.fl.us for more information.
Reviews
Visitors generally praise the Founder's Park Dog Park as a nice, clean, and well-maintained facility with ample space, shade, and amenities for dogs. Some highlight the friendly local community and the ability to access the park for free if staying at an Islamorada hotel. However, a few reviewers found the $8 per person entry fee excessive, especially for short visits.
AI-generated from the text of reviews
- VanessaJun 21, 2023Very nice park
The park just reopened after some construction. There is a tiki hut to stay cool under. The dog wash station is a plus. There is also a water sprinkler for the dogs to play under.
if you are not staying on Islamorada you will need to pay to enter the park. if you are staying on the island bring proof ie receipt from hotel & u can enter the park for free.
- PennyMar 19, 2023Closed for renovations
unfortunately the dog park is currently closed for renovations. took the dogs for a “snifarie “ on the walkway instead.
- MakaylaSep 23, 2022Great park!
Residents get in free but it is $8 per person ($5 for kiddos) to get in if you live or are staying out of county! easy to get around if you can prove you are visiting and staying in Islamorada! super nice staff clean park! all dogs were well behaved and had good temperament. Crüe had a great time playing with new friends!
- ElissaMar 10, 2022Nice dog park and friendly locals
we did pay the $8 but we looked at it as it helps to keep the park area open. the local people were extremely friendly like we had known them for years. Plenty of dogs for Blue to run and play with. was a nice end to his active day!
- NicoleJan 16, 2020Perfect spot!
I am visiting and staying in Islamorada for the week. I learned a GREAT TIP from the gentleman at the visitor center. If you are STAYING in Islamorada you can get into the park for FREE. Get your hotel to print off the dates you are staying - show it to the front gate person and they will send you to the pool office to get a pass. You now have access to the entire park including the dog park, Olympic size pool, kids playground, beach etc.
The dog park is nice. Shady spots, mostly covered in grass and there was an area with small kiddy/doggie pools and a rinse station. A lot of local of people who stay in the marina - everyone was very pleasant and friendly. There is a separate area for small dogs.
Obviously if you come here on vacation, your pup might not be used to the heat/humidity...so just take it easy and maybe go in the early morning or late afternoon :)
- ChaseOct 6, 2019Beautiful, But Beware Of Mosquitos
We drove down to Islamorada with the pups to eat lunch and play at the dog park. We had to pay $8 pp to gain access to the park, which was no big deal as it is beautiful. Another reviewer wrote to park behind the visitor’s center for free, but a police officer stopped us and had us go pay. Once we got into the dog park we had it all to ourselves, but had to leave within minutes due to mosquitoes. I counted over 25 bites and we were there for less than 10 minutes. We didn’t want to waste our entry fee so we walked our dogs along a trail next to the beach where they were able to swim for a little bit. Overall, the location is beautiful and the tails are dog friendly. However, bring your bug spray if you plan on enjoying the the dog park.
- DonnaJan 30, 2019I’m A Local, Here’s A Couple Tips
Founders is our local park, so we love it because it’s close and has a great view of Florida Bay (dogs not allowed on beach, but can take a beautiful walk all around the park and marina.) But definitely be aware of the $8 per person charge if you visit between 8:45am - 5pm ish. However, you can park directly behind the visitor center, cross the road leading into the park, and walk up the path next to the baseball fields for free. The dog park is just behind the baseball fields. Visitors can have residents obtain a park pass for them in the pool office.
About the dog park: separate area for small dogs, both sides have shade, picnic tables and some chairs, hoses and kiddy pools. Large dog side has dog washing station and some agility obstacles. Bad owners sometimes let big dogs use small dog side as a litter box and don’t pick up after their pets so be aware of “land mines”.
- DAug 4, 2018Dogs enjoyed it
We brought our 2 dogs while on vacation and they enjoyed this park. Plenty of space - and some trees to find shade. If you are staying at a hotel or rental house in Islamorada ask if they have a "code word" for Founders Park. We had one from our rental house - but no one was at the entrance the two times we visited - so just drove in. If you do not have a code word then it is $8 per person. Just a note: there is a Publix a few miles south of the park and they had a nice amount of grass (on opposite site of the building (far from road)). So i was able to walk around with the dogs (on leash) while spouse shopped. That was nice.
- DeniseMore than a year agoNice park
My husband and I didn't mind paying the $8 per person. There's a dog park and there's the bigger park with a path all around it. Our dogs were exhausted after playing and walking for a few hours.
- DawnMore than a year agoUnfriendly...a waste
Didn't even get to see it! They wanted $8 per person just for us to drive on the property! I don't think that's any way to treat a tourist. $16 for an hour of play. Not likely.
This year I've been travelling with my dog from the east coast of Canada to Key west and back to Buffalo. We have visited lots of parks but this one was unfriendly to both dogs and people. - CoryMore than a year agoWhat a waste
I live in key largo and went to visit the dog park and found out that unless you are a Islamorada resident it will be a charge of 8.00 per person to use the facility. What a joke.
Location
Traveler Photos
We dug up 12 pictures of dogs at Founder's Park Dog Park.
Want to feature your creature? Upload a photo of your pet at Founder's Park Dog Park! You can also share by using the hashtag #bringfido on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.