Which Parks Allow Dogs in The Bonita Springs Area?

The Bonita Springs and Estero Florida area currently offer three pet friendly parks.  The rules for pet friendly parks are posted at the park but general rules include; pets must be vaccinated, clean up after your pets, no aggressive or dangerous pets.

Estero Community Center Dog Park offers a fenced pet friendly facility that permits dogs being off leash.

Dog Beach Near Lover’s Key offers an area of beach which is not fenced.  Off leash is permitted.

River Park at Imperial River is the newest park in Bonita Springs and Estero. It is not completely fenced but is partially bordered by the Imperial River. 

The River Park is so new that the official park rules are not posted, however, there are dog waste bag stations to indicate that pets are permitted.  River Park will be one of the largest parks when completed with a total of about 18 acres of parkland Bonita Springs real estate.

Click the park’s links above for further information or the map below to locate a pet friendly park.

  The Newest Park in Bonita Springs | Imperial River

River Park in Bonita Springs is the latest addition to Bonita Springs Parks.  The name “River Park”, not to be confused with Riverside Park, is because this park also is located on the Imperial River. 

The location of River Park is at the Imperial River Bridge on US 41 Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs, Florida on the west side near (and sort of behind) the K-mart store.  River Park is on the opposite side of US 41 from the Imperial River Boat Ramp.

The first phase of River Park currently offers acres of open, free space plus a two boardwalks which lead thru mangrove estuaries to the Imperial River and a lengthy span of floating boat docks. Future phases of improvement will likely occur at the eighteen acre River Park location.

If you’re a Bonita Springs boater or you are going to Canoe the Imperial River you now have a destination to stop, take a break, tie up and enjoy lunch, or a place to pick up or drop off passengers. 

From River Park, boaters and canoers are within walking distance to K-mart, Publix, Subway Sandwich Store, plus a few convenience and drug stores. 

River Park will also be a great location to enjoy seasonal events, such as the Bonita Springs Boat Parade.  At this time, parking at River Park is limited and there are no rest room facilities. Since River Park is within close proximity to a nesting American Bald Eagle, the park will remain as-is until the hatchlings have fledged and construction can begin again.  Eagle nesting is October 1 thru May 15.

If you’re looking for things to do and would like to visit the new River Park on the Imperial River follow the map below:

No running, chasing, leading, following, barking or splashing.

Size doesn’t matter, but …

If your dogs legs are less than three inches long, they must swim in packs.

Definitely no galloping or jumping … or smiling.

Stare down, staring matches and blue eye hypnotism will barely be tolerated.

Pretend you’re having fun even when you’re thoroughly miserable.

Obey all commands, that man behind you is following you … not running after you.

No sniffing butts.

“Finders keepers” is considered beach policy with toys and food. 

Sea gulls are point-worthy, same as pheasant and duck.

If you’re interested in the legit rules of dog beach read also: Dog Beach Rules

To break every one of these rules use this map to find dog beach:

Gulf Access via Public Boat Ramp

Bay Park North is one of the best kept secret boat ramps in Bonita Springs, Florida.  It’s located at the north end of Little Hickory Island.  It is, quite literally, a secret.  Oddly, it’s not on a city of Bonita Springs  or county parks map as a facility.

The easiest way to find the boat ramp park is to drive north on Hickory Boulevard to the Big Hickory Seafood Grille and Marina.  Bay Park North is tucked away at the the base of the bridge on the east side of Hickory Blvd.

Bay Park North offers speedy access to the Gulf of Mexico via Big Hickory Pass and the Great Calusa Blueway trails.  Parking is free but limited.  Rules of parking include unhooking your boat trailer from your vehicle and taking a little space as possible. 

Bay Park North is a tiny little park with a lot to offer.  This is a view of the mangroves across Big Hickory Pass at Broadway Channel.  Happy Boating.  Click the link if you need a copy of the Blueway Map.

Driving Directions to North Bay Park

Click Map Below

Top Secret Park Entry on Riverside Drive

Everyone knows how to get to Riverside Park from Old 41 or Pennsylvania Avenue.  Did you know there is a secret foot path from South Riverside Drive just off of West Terry Street?  Well, there is.  This is how you find it … if you know where South Riverside Drive is look for that tree up above.  If you don’t know where South Riverside Drive is here is a map.

Across the street from that cool Wizard of Oz tree is this sign and walk way.  It’s a WALK way.  There is no parking lot.  You should probably be walking or at the most on a bike.  No cars.

Here’s a closer look at that sign:

After you go through the entry you get to walk by a very pretty garden that a private home owner keeps.  No touchie!  He’s a very nice man, by the way, and told me all about the owls that live back in the park.  You should probably look for owls back there, by the way.  A dozen yards in you’ll see this: 

Half way over the bridge look to your right and you’ll see this:

If you want to see the rest of Riverside and Island Parks in greater down town Olde Bonita Springs, Florida you’ll have to take a walk back there yourself.  The park is free, by the way, so it would be a great thing to do with your family.    If you’re looking for things to do in Bonita Springs take a Frisbee or something and enjoy the parks that are sitting there waiting.

Check out the park I “enjoyed” last week [sarcasm]:

Estero Bay Preserve State Park | Estero Florida

Things to Do at Riverside Park | Bonita Springs, Fl

This Friday, April 10, enjoy Evenings in the Park
Six Artists – Six Cottages – 5:00pm – 8:00pm
A delightful evening with friends, meeting the artists while enjoying music, wine and refreshments.

Sunday, April 12, 2009, 2:00pm (Happy Easter!)
Free Concert – Bonita Springs Concert Band
Bring chairs and refreshments!

Every Wednesday – 8:00am – 1:00 pm NOW THRU MAY!
Farmer’s Market

Here’s a handy, dandy map to the Bandshell at Riverside Park.  It’s on Old 41, you can’t accidentally drive by it. I swear.

Sweet Real Estate In Downtown Bonita Springs, Florida

I’ve gushed and gushed about Riverside Park. I think it’s the neatest place in Bonita Springs, I mean it’s tied with, Bonita Beach, Wonder Gardens, The Everglades, the sun, the atmosphere and those cool little chameleons running around everywhere.

Last weekend I had company in town and went to Survey Café for lunch. After lunch we crossed the street to the landing where Bamboo Village used to be. (That’s where my favorite Wizard of Oz tree is.) We crossed under the 41 bridge and went to visit the Liles Hotel. It’s closed on Sunday so we walked by the artist’s cottages.

Beyond the artist’s cottages we crossed the railroad tracks. We could have driven around to the parking place on Pennsylvania Avenue, across from The Lions Club, but took the short cut across the tracks. The trains haven’t run in some time so it is safe.

The new foot bridge at Riverside Park is now open. Remember this photo? That was the barge that was building it in October of 2009. The new foot bridge isn’t known by many people. It connects Bonita Springs’ Riverside Park and Depot Park to Island Park. Island Park is, well, and Island and the only way to get to it is via the bright red foot bridge or the innocuous path on Riverside Drive.

You’d never know what a nice piece of real estate is hiding back there if I didn’t tell you. If you’re looking for something inexpensive to do, take a walk through Island Park. Pack a few sandwiches, grab a Frisbee, a fishing pole and take your kids. There’s plenty of shade under the huge moss filled oak trees. Get some fresh air and get out from in front of that computer screen. I see you sitting there. Shoo. Be gone. It will do you good to see a new piece of Bonita Springs.

]]> http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/riverside-depot-and-island-parks-in-bonita-springs-florida/feed/ 2 http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/liles-hotel-decorated-for-christmast-bonita-springs-florida/ http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/liles-hotel-decorated-for-christmast-bonita-springs-florida/#comments Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:18:40 +0000 chrisgriffith http://lifeinbonitasprings.com/?p=1245

Just a little flower growing in Bonita Springs.  I see this flowering bush out my kitchen window in my neighbors back yard.  I found my way to take a photo while the sun was going down today.  I’ve been a little under the weather the last few days and haven’t written much.  Tomorrow is a new day. I’ll hit the sheets early and try to get back on track.  Thanks for reading.