FL's Best Dog Park Ranks Top 10 In Nation: USA Today

TAMPA, FL — There are no other dog parks in Florida better than Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park in Tampa, according to a USA Today 10Best list.

The ongoing online contests allow readers to choose the top 10 winners from a list of 20 nominees in several nationwide categories, including food, lodging and destinations. USA Today said an expert panel makes the nominations before voting occurs.

Here's what USA Today said about the country's No. 6 dog park:

"The dog park at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is a fantastic spot for pups to play, featuring separate sections for large and small breeds. With artificial turf, water spouts for cooling off, and an agility course, it offers a comfortable and engaging environment for dogs to exercise and socialize. Situated along the scenic riverfront next to the transient boat dock, the park provides a picturesque setting for pet owners to relax while their furry friends enjoy some off-leash fun."

Julian B. Lane park is located at 1001 N. Blvd. in Tampa, and is a 25-acre park located just north of the University of Tampa and across the Hillsborough River from the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The dog park has separate sections for large breeds and small breeds on the north end of the park.

"There are few things a dog loves more than romping around off-leash, especially when there are other friendly pups to play with. That's what makes dog parks so appealing. These dedicated areas provide safe spaces for dogs to run, play and socialize, and a visit to one of these 10 dog parks — nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — is a special treat your dog will love," USA Today wrote in its July 2 report.

USA Today's Top 10 Dog Parks are:

1. The Outback at Shelby Farms Park, Memphis, Tennessee
2. Tommy Schumpert Park, Knoxville, Tennessee
3. Newtown Dream Dog Park, Johns Creek, Georgia
4. Fiesta Island, San Diego, California
5. Albany Dog Park, Albany, Oregon
6. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa, Florida
7. Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area, Aurora, Colorado
8. Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Area, Seattle, Washington
9. Beneful Dream Dog Park, Alabaster, Alabama
10. Cosmo Dog Park, Gilbert, Arizona