Dog Friendly at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach
Whether you’re looking for a place to run with your dog, or your favorite Fido needs some doggie socialization, Frank Brown Park is an ideal answer for both you and your pup.
Frank Brown Park is located on Back Beach Road, just west of Pier Park. Frank Brown is a dog friendly community recreation area that allows you and your dog the opportunity to have some fun and exercise.
The dog areas are located at the north end of the park across from the soccer and baseball fields. There is a nice sized fenced area where your dog can socialize off-leash with other canines. The area comes complete with a picnic table where owners can hang out and chat while their dogs get to know one another.
Next to the social area is a large pond with a path that provides some shade during the summer months. This is a nice area to walk your dog and take in some of the natural Panhandle flora and fauna.
Just a short walk from the pond is a paved path that goes straight north for about 200 yards. The path dead ends into a perpendicular dirt road, more commonly called the “power line path.” This is a dirt path big enough for utility vehicles to use. Tennis shoes or closed-toed shoes would be your best choice.
Usually you’ll have this path all to yourself, and it provides a great opportunity to let your dog run. Turn east and you can walk up to a mile while your dog runs wild through the grasses and small creeks. Avoid turning west, as there is a major road within a quarter of a mile.
The tree line is only 50 yards to your north and then nothing but forest land to the Intracoastal Waterway. Because of the forestation, it’s not unusual to see deer, a snake, or an occasional coyote. With this in mind, you need to be alert and keep your dog within eye sight and calling distance.
Some items to remember:
- If there’s been rain, there will be water in the creek beds and you’ll want to have towels in the car to dry off your dog.
- In the winter months, this is a comfortable walk, but in the summer it gets hot quick. Any water areas will have dried up, so bring water for both you and your dog.
- You’ll want to check your dogs’ paws for burrs at the end of the walk. Just one of the prices you pay for a freedom run.
- When returning, leash your dog in advance of the paved area. You don’t want to frighten an unsuspecting jogger or bicycle rider.
- Be aware that Bay County does have a leash law and if you take your dog off-leash, even on the wooded path. the dog must obey your verbal commands and cannot pose a threat to the general public.
So the next time your dog looks at you with those soulful eyes, yell, “car ride,” and take a couple hours to unwind and just let your dog be a dog..
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