DiOGi Park

Located on three acres within the Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 West Carter Road. This dog park was established in memory of Polk County Deputy Sheriff Vernon "Matt" Williams and his beloved K-9, DiOGi. The grand opening was held 07-14-07.

This is Polk County's first dog park and it has dual areas for little and big dogs, each with colorful fire hydrants, agility training equipment, and shaded picnic shelters for the humans. There is also a pond. We also have this park listed on Lakeland.

Note of 02-11-08: A reader tells us she visited this park recently, but wasn't impressed. She said there was no agility course as stated here, only dirt.

Note of 10/07/07: One of our readers says they've visited this park and found, "It is a nice place to take your dogs. but they need to fix entrance to the large dogs section. When it rains it floods right at the gate."

Note of 10-05-07: One of our readers says they've visited this park about six times since it opened and have always found it clean and well-maintained. They said everyone they talk to praises this park and they passed along the following:

"We have waited a long time for a dog park here in the Lakeland/Mulberry area. Please encourage your readers to continue to use the park responsibly so we'll all have a great place for our dogs to play and socialize."

Note of 08-19-07: Another reader tells us this park was nice at first, but three weeks after opening, people are not picking up after their pets. It seems this nice new park is being overrun by irresponsible people.

"There are two waste bag dispensers in each section. I quit going because of the poop of the ground and I didn’t want my dog to step in it...why can’t people be responsible owners and pick up after their pets?"

Note of 08-07-07: A kind reader provides the following additional information about this dog park:

"For those who aren't quite familiar with the area, the park is not hard to find. If you can find your way to S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland, or take this exit from the Polk Parkway, you will head South towards Mulberry. The park is located off Carter Road, just behind the new Super Wal-mart center on S. Florida Ave. Coming from Lakeland, you will take a left onto Carter Road and the first right into the park behind the shopping plaza. Following the road through the park, past some ball fields on the left, DiOGi Dog Park is located in the back right corner.

"This park has an area for small dogs, as well as an area for large dogs. While the agility equipment is placed in both areas, it is not placed in such close coordinates that a course is easy to follow. However, there is a covered picnic table in each area, but space is limited. There are water fountains and large bathing tubs, or for some -watering pales- for the dogs to enjoy as well. The park is also equipped with plastic bag stations to keep the grass free of 'doggie-debree' to make the park convenient for everyone."

NOTE: We can't visit every area on a regular basis, so if you have information about any dog parks or beaches, or any other animal recreation facilities, in the Mulberry area, please contact FloridaPets.net.