Dog Parks in Ocala, FL: Letty Towles, Hours, Rules & Maps
Ocala has one primary city-operated off-leash destination: Letty Towles Dog Park at the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex. Other public parks around Ocala and Marion County may welcome dogs, but those locations generally require a leash and should not be confused with a dedicated dog park.
That makes Ocala simpler than cities with a large dog-park network. If you want fenced off-leash exercise, Letty Towles is the public park to know; if you only need a leashed walk, you have many more choices.
Quick Answer: Dog Parks in Ocala
| Main off-leash dog park | Letty Towles Dog Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 2299 SE 32nd Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470 |
| Hours | Friday through Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to sunset |
| Closed | Wednesday and Thursday for grass recovery |
| Size | 4.5 acres |
| Fenced | Yes |
| Small-dog area | Yes — separate small- and large-dog areas |
| Water | Water stations |
| Other dog amenities | Splash pad, sandpit, concrete tunnels, benches and pavilions |
Letty Towles Dog Park
Address: 2299 SE 32nd Avenue, Ocala, FL 34470
Location: Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex
Hours: Friday through Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to sunset
Closed: Wednesday and Thursday
Open Letty Towles Dog Park in Google Maps
The City describes Letty Towles as a 4.5-acre fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. It is built specifically for off-leash recreation, so it is a better fit than trying to use a general Ocala park where dogs must remain leashed.
See the official City of Ocala dog park page.
Hours and Weekly Closures
Letty Towles is open Friday through Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. The regular closure is unusual enough to plan around: the dog park is closed every Wednesday and Thursday so the grass can recover.
This is part of the normal weekly schedule, not an occasional maintenance closure. Most other City of Ocala parks use sunrise-to-sunset hours, but Letty Towles has its own opening time and two-day turf-rest period.
Separate Small- and Large-Dog Areas
Yes. The City confirms that the park is divided into separate areas for small and large dogs. Use the section that matches your dog and follow any more specific size guidance posted at the entrance.
Water, Splash Pad and Play Features
Letty Towles has a stronger dog-specific amenity list than many municipal parks. Current City information lists:
- Water stations
- Dog splash pad
- Sandpit
- Concrete tunnels
- Benches
- Pavilions
- Separate large- and small-dog areas
The water stations are useful, but backup drinking water is still sensible during hot Ocala weather in case a fixture is temporarily unavailable.
Fencing and Entry
The dog park is fully fenced for off-leash use. Ocala’s rules require dogs to be leashed when entering and exiting the park, then unleashed while inside the designated dog area.
Jervey Gantt Is Different From Other Ocala Parks
Letty Towles is inside the Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex, but the City treats dogs differently there than at many of its other parks. Well-behaved leashed dogs are allowed on trails at many City parks; at Jervey Gantt, dog owners are directed specifically to Letty Towles Dog Park.
Letty Towles Dog Park Rules
Ocala publishes a detailed set of rules for the dog park. The most important visit-planning points are:
- Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination tag.
- Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting.
- Owners must remain with and supervise their dogs.
- Smoking is not allowed.
- People and dogs may not eat inside the park.
- Owners must fill holes dug by their dogs.
- Owners must pick up pet waste.
- Buckle, snap and harness collars are allowed; choke and prong collars are not.
- Aggressive or misbehaving dogs must be removed immediately.
- Unneutered males are not permitted.
- Females in heat are not permitted.
- Puppies under six months old are not permitted.
- Children under age 12 are not permitted inside the dog park.
Review the current Letty Towles rules before visiting.
Are Other Ocala Parks Off Leash?
Generally, no. City of Ocala rules welcome well-behaved leashed dogs on trails at many parks, while Marion County identifies many facilities as dog-friendly, leash required. Those parks can be good walking options, but they are not substitutes for an off-leash dog park.
Leash-Friendly Alternatives Near Ocala
Coehadjoe Park
Address: 4225 NE 35th Street, Ocala, FL 34479
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dog policy: Dog-friendly; leash required
Open Coehadjoe Park in Google Maps
Coehadjoe is useful for a leashed walk rather than off-leash play. Marion County lists walking areas, restrooms, pavilions, playgrounds and multiple sports facilities.
See the official Coehadjoe Park page.
Liberty Community Park
Address: 10575 SW 57th Terrace Road, Ocala, FL 34476
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Dog policy: Dog-friendly; leash required
Open Liberty Community Park in Google Maps
Liberty has a paved walking trail, restrooms, picnic facilities, a playground and open space. It is another practical choice when you want exercise with your dog but do not need off-leash access.
See the official Liberty Community Park page.
Which Ocala Park Fits Your Plans?
If your priority is off-leash exercise, Letty Towles is the clear public choice. Its fencing, size separation, water stations and dedicated play features make it purpose-built for dogs.
If a leashed walk is enough, Ocala and Marion County offer many more options. In that case, compare trails, shade, restrooms, parking and distance rather than looking only for the phrase “dog park.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How many off-leash dog parks are in Ocala?
The City of Ocala identifies Letty Towles Dog Park as its dedicated public off-leash dog park. Other nearby public parks may allow dogs on leash but are not designated off-leash dog parks.
What days is Letty Towles Dog Park closed?
The park is closed every Wednesday and Thursday so the grass can recover. It is open Friday through Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
Does Letty Towles have a small-dog area?
Yes. The 4.5-acre park has separate areas for small and large dogs.
Does Letty Towles Dog Park have water?
Yes. The City lists water stations as well as a dog splash pad.
Can children enter Letty Towles Dog Park?
Children under age 12 are not permitted inside the dog park under the City’s published rules.
Can I walk my dog at other Ocala parks?
Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome on trails at many City of Ocala parks. Jervey Gantt is the exception: there, dogs are directed to Letty Towles Dog Park.
Before You Go
The key planning detail is the weekly closure. For Letty Towles, visit Friday through Tuesday between 7:00 a.m. and sunset, and avoid Wednesday and Thursday. After heavy rain or severe weather, check the City page before traveling because temporary closures can still occur.
Dog Parks Florida Editorial Team
The Dog Parks Florida Editorial Team creates practical guides to dog parks and off-leash recreation areas across Florida. Articles are researched using official city, county, park, and recreation resources, then reviewed for clarity and accuracy.
