Dog owners and their pets in Winter Haven will need to seek other locations for playtime, as the dog park at Simmers-Young Park is closed for the foreseeable future. A Polk County advisory states that the north side of the park is currently occupied by hurricane debris. Frisbee-catching and other activities will be suspended until further notice.
Although the dog park is closed, other activities in the park are ongoing. Soccer players and playground users can still access the seven soccer fields and play structures along American Spirit Boulevard, which are not impacted by the cleanup efforts. For now, access to the area is one-way in and one-way out.
Residents looking for information or wanting to express concerns about the situation can reach the Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division at (863) 534-7377. This line is available for inquiries regarding park logistics and updates, including the timeline for the dog park's reopening.
