Located at 3701 Gatlin Avenue. Directions: Located on Gatlin Avenue between Conway Rd. and 436.

Note of 11-13-07: A very kind reader tells us this dog park has been developing for the last six months or so. There are two play areas (for small and large dogs,) with a water fountain in each, and just recently an obstacle course (similar to agility) has been put in each play area. This park closes at 6 p.m. For more information, call 407-249-6102.

2. Downey Park

A FloridaPets.net user said this park offers high fenced areas, one for small dogs and another for larger dogs, a timeout area, benches, picnic tables, water fountains (dog and human), trash cans (secure), dog clean up supplies and receptacles, some signage, lots of older trees, and some newly planted trees/landscaping situated on a lake.

The park is located at 10107 Flowers Ave., on the corner of E. Colonial Drive (SR-50) and Dean Road in East Orange County. Go east on E. Colonial Drive to the parking lot entrance on the right.

Note of 09-20-06: A kind reader wrote us with the following observations after a recent visit to this park:

"...I didn't find a space where the dogs could get out or the big dog area. It was sort of hard to find the park because there was a main park in the front and I was about to leave but I saw a sign on the fence that pointed to where the dog park was. There was a lot of sand and it got my dog all dirty. There wasn't that much shade either. It wasn't that great of a dog park but it did have a timout area and a doggy bag dispenser."

Note of 08-14-06: A reader tells us she visited this park recently with her miniature Schnauzer and she thought the park was great.

"All the fountains worked, the dogs were nice and playful and the landscaping was creative," she said. "The only thing was that the small dogs could squeeze through the gate into the big dog section. But other than that, everything was excellent."

Note of 02-24-06: A reader tells us she was disappointed after a visit to this park and elaborated as follows:

"Not because of the park [itself]. I had two boxers at the time, one still a puppy, she didn't wander far. However, the male was attacked by a pit bull that was there. Luckily, the pit's owner was close by and managed to get the dog off my dog. On the other hand, I had to take my dog immediately to an emergency vet's office. After the trauma, anesthesia and stitches, a total of over $400.00 was spent. The pit's owner (driving a Lexus SUV) was not apologetic and gave us incorrect contact information. So, beware of ill-tempered dogs and negligent 'parents'."

Note of 02-05: One of our readers wrote us to say, "Interesting park - it is very long. I appreciate the sand mixed with the mulch so that the nongrassy sections are not as muddy. But...we have experienced several incidents with aggressive dogs and it is very scary unloading the puppies alongside Colonial Drive."

Update of 11-30-04: A reader who frequents this park offered the following update:

"The small dog area is complete and I was unable to find any holes in the fences where even tiny dogs could slip through without having to work at it. I agree with people who warn of larger dogs intimidating the smaller ones at Downey - I think it's more of an unlearned owner issue, ones that bring their highly aggressive dogs (many even needing muzzles) to the park. The park is long but narrow, making it occasionally somewhat difficult to avoid aggressive dogs. If you can catch Downey Dog Park at a good time (for example, peoples' typical work hours when there aren't too many dogs there), it's a wonderful park with doggie fountains, benches, and even occassional donated plush toys and balls."

3. Dr. Phillips Dog Park

Note of 01-08-08: One of our readers tells us this park has opened. She said it's located at the end of a community park, adjacent to Sand Lake Elementary School (8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd). She noted it's very difficult to find, as there are no signs posted and is at the far end of the community park.

4. Friends of Fleet Peeples Park, Inc.

Located on South Lakemont Avenue, south of Aloma on Lake Baldwin. Serves Winter Park and Orlando areas. Open Monday through Friday, dawn- 8 p.m.; weekends dawn to 11 a.m. off-leash, then on-leash until 4 p.m., then off-leash again after 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Offers fenced area, benches, tables, handicap access, poop bags, trees, parking, restrooms, water, trash, lights, shelter, pavillions with grills, lake and boat ramp.

Note of 07-31-06: A kind reader reminds us this park also made Dog Fancy's Top Ten Dog Parks for 2006. Fleet Peeples came in at number 8.

"In my opinion, Fleet Peeples is much better than Paw Park," he said, "because of its more natural environment, trees, larger area, prettiness, [location] away from street/traffic, [since] Paw Park is located on a busy street."

Update of 09-06-05: One of our readers advised us an amoeba warning sign has been posted by the lake. The lake is 85 degrees or higher. She said she assumed the situation would be as dangerous for dogs as it is for people.

Comment of 02-16-05: A kind reader tells us, "Fleet is large enough that there is plenty of variety and space. My dogs can explore in the woods, play and socialize with other dogs, get away from dogs when there is too much attention, play in the water, swim, and roll in the sand. I love that there is such a huge space for them to stretch out and run to their hearts content. I would like a better way to wash the sand and dirt off of them prior to getting them into the car. I understand that they are still in hurricane recovery mode."

Update of 11-30-04: This park has reopened! After sustaining massive damage during Hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne, the organizing group of this dog park started clean up and fundraising to repair and reopen the park. You can read more about their efforts and donate funds toward the cause here.

Update of 11-29-04: A kind reader says she likes this park, "because the layout is open with TONS of grass and even some thinned-out trees to wander through." She said dogs can avoid unwanted fellow-doggie attention when they wish, run like the wind at their whim, and count on the park being frequented by a delightful number of pleasant dogs and respectful owners. "One side of the area is actually made up by Lake Baldwin, so if your pooch loves the water it's a perfect place to play," she said.

Update of 09-01-04: A reader tells us this park is closed until further notice because of Hurricane Charley.

Update of 05-28-04: One of our kind readers provided the following input on this park: "The fence is in. There's a wonderful lake to swim in! Looks like 3-5 acres of space."

Update of 06-18-03: A reader advised us this park has a nice dock from which dogs can jump into the lake and nice trails through the woods.

5. Greenwood Urban Wetlands

Located at the corner of Mills and Anderson. The lake inside this park is called Lake Greenwood. Offers picnic area, benches, parking.

Update of 04-05-04: Another reader wrote us and said they were disappointed with this park. She said it's more of a "people park" where dogs run free, despite signs saying dogs are not allowed off leash. The reader said the entrance to this facility is poorly marked and kindly offered the following directions: "Traveling east, it is just off exit 11B on the East West Expressway. Andersen is the exit road. Drive straight across Mills, the first intersection, and make a right turn approximately 100 feet into a dirt parking lot. There are no signs."

Update of 02-29-04: Some readers refer to this park as "Lake Haven." A kind reader wrote us and said they take their lab to this park frequently. He said it is a nice wetland reserve with a 1 1/4 mile sidewalk around an alligator-free pond. There are always lots of friendly dogs there. He also said, "there are signs posted saying dogs must be on a leash, but no one enforces this."

6. Meadow Woods Dog Park

Located in the New Meadow Woods Park near Meadow Woods Middle School on Rhode Island Woods Drive. This park serves residents living in the south central part of the county. Offers an area for large dogs and another for small dogs, dog bathing and drinking stations. Outside the dog park area are two large tot lots that are covered by shade structures, benches, basketball court, and a nature walk around a small lake.

Directions: From Orlando, go south on Orange Avenue through the community of Taft. Continue going south on Orange Avenue and pass Wetherbee Road. Turn left on Fairway Woods Blvd. At the stop sign, turn right on Landstar and proceed to Rhode Island Woods Circle. There's a flashing yellow light at this intersection. Turn left on Rhode Island Woods Circle and continue about 2 miles. The first school you see is an elementary school - keep going. The Dog Park and the Meadow Woods Middle School are on the left.

Note of 08-04-06: A kind reader tells us this park is, "...a wonderful, newer park, all fenced, with a very large grassy area for dogs, large and small, and another, although much smaller, area for those who want to keep their small dogs away from the big ones."

He said the dogs he's met here are friendly and playful and the people are neighborly and mindful of their dogs. He said the only negatives about this park are minor and include, "...the park officially closes at 8:00 p.m., no matter that it is still light out and, there is a huge high-tension wire tower in the park. Although off to one side, and seemingly not dangerous, it is an eyesore. Overall, this is probably one of the best dog parks in the entire Orlando area. It feels safe, clean and friendly."

Update of 09-06-05: A kind reader tells us this park's Grand Opening has been postponed to 09-10-05. She said the park is open, but there are some issues, such as irrigation, children being allowed in the dog park section, people leaving the gates open, and people generally being new to the process of how dogs parks work, kinks that will be resolved as time goes on.

Update of 08-21-05: Our research reveals this park will have its Grand Opening Saturday, 08-27-05 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will include an ice cream party.

Comment of 02-05: One of our readers wrote to tell us, "I drove by this park the other day and wanted to let you know they have commenced work, they had heavy equipment out there working."

Update of 01-05-05: We received notice that the ground breaking ceremony for this park will be scheduled for either March 12 or March 19. If all goes well, the park will then be open to the public by mid-July, 2005.

Update of 11-21-04: Anyone know the status of this park? Please write us if you have info to share, thanks!

Update of 07-12-04: One of our readers says the original contractor went out of business and things are stalled. The park had been started, but is now an eyesore and residents of this South Orange county neighborhood are getting upset. She asks us to pass along the following message to those of you who live in County Commission District 4: "Please e-mail County Commissioner Linda Stewart at District4@ocfl.net to send her a word of encouragement and see if she can get this project back on track. County Chairman Rich Crotty may also be able to help bump this park up on the priority list. His e-mail address is Chairman@ocfl.net."

Update of 05-25-04: One of our readers tells us the opening of this park may be delayed because of issues with the construction company.

7. Barnett Park Dog Park

A reader's Bluetick Coonhound, Cleetus, greets pets and people alike during one of his visits to this dog park