John Gorrie Dog Park at Riverside Park: Hours, Water & Shade
John Gorrie Dog Park is the designated off-leash area at Riverside Park in Jacksonville’s Riverside/Five Points area. The City of Jacksonville lists John Gorrie Park/Riverside Park among its municipal dog parks, while Riverside Avondale Preservation describes the dog park as a fenced neighborhood facility with separate areas for small and large dogs, shade, benches, water and clean-up stations.
For a citywide comparison, see our guide to dog parks in Jacksonville, FL. You can also compare larger regional-park options such as Ed Austin Regional Park Dog Park and Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park Dog Park.
Table of Contents
John Gorrie Dog Park at a Glance
| Dog park listing | 631–745 College Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 |
|---|---|
| Located in | Riverside Park |
| Riverside Park address | 753 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Off leash | Yes, inside the designated dog park |
| Small-dog area | Yes |
| Large-dog area | Yes |
| Water | Water station reported by Riverside Avondale Preservation |
| Shade | Shady spots are part of the dog-park setting |
| Seating | Benches |
| Parking | Yes, listed for Riverside Park |
Open John Gorrie Dog Park in Google Maps
Where Is John Gorrie Dog Park?
The dog park sits at the northwest corner of Riverside Park next to College Street. Jacksonville’s dog-park directory uses the address range 631–745 College Street, while the City’s main Riverside Park page uses 753 Park Street. Both refer to the same broader Riverside Park property, so either may appear in maps and local listings.
Riverside Park is in the Riverside/Five Points area west of downtown Jacksonville. Because the dog area is only one part of the park, look for the fenced dog-park section near College Street rather than assuming the main Park Street entrance is the closest access point.
John Gorrie Dog Park Hours
Jacksonville lists its municipal dog parks as open from sunrise to sunset. There is no fixed year-round opening or closing clock time because daylight changes by season. Posted closure or maintenance notices should always take priority.
Separate Small- and Large-Dog Areas
Riverside Avondale Preservation says the dog park has dedicated areas for small and large breeds. That makes John Gorrie a useful neighborhood option for owners who prefer size separation instead of a single shared enclosure.
Follow the section guidance posted at the gate. If a current sign uses a specific weight cutoff, the posted rule should control even if older online descriptions use more general wording.
Shade, Benches and Water
One of the more useful dog-specific descriptions comes from Riverside Avondale Preservation, which helped support development of the park. It lists shady spots, benches, water and clean-up stations inside the dog-park setup.
Outdoor water fixtures can occasionally be unavailable because of repairs or maintenance, so bringing backup drinking water is still sensible during hot weather.
Parking and the Rest of Riverside Park
The City lists car parking at Riverside Park along with benches, bike racks, picnic tables, a playground, basketball, security lighting and trash barrels. The park also includes spring-fed lakes and mature landscaping.
Dogs need to be leashed once you leave the designated dog park. Jacksonville park rules prohibit loose animals in ordinary park space except at dog parks established for off-leash use.
John Gorrie Dog Park Rules
- Use off-leash privileges only inside the designated dog-park enclosure.
- Keep your dog leashed elsewhere in Riverside Park.
- Use the appropriate small- or large-dog section.
- Supervise your dog and remove it if behavior becomes unsafe.
- Dispose of animal waste properly.
- Follow posted hours, closure notices and gate rules.
- Jacksonville park rules prohibit glass containers and alcohol in City parks.
Check Jacksonville’s current official dog-park list and see the official Riverside Park page. Riverside Avondale Preservation also maintains a John Gorrie Dog Park information page with dog-specific background and amenities.
Who Is John Gorrie Dog Park Best For?
John Gorrie is especially practical for owners in Riverside, Five Points and nearby central Jacksonville neighborhoods who want a fenced off-leash stop without driving to a large regional park. Its size-separated areas, shade, seating and water make it more dog-focused than a basic open field.
If your priority is a larger regional setting with trails and more recreation around the dog area, Ed Austin or Tillie K. Fowler may be a better fit. For a newer central-city facility with double-gated entries, see our Forest Street Dog Park guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are John Gorrie Dog Park’s hours?
Jacksonville lists its municipal dog parks as open from sunrise to sunset.
Does John Gorrie Dog Park have a small-dog area?
Yes. Riverside Avondale Preservation describes separate areas for small and large breeds.
Does John Gorrie Dog Park have water?
Riverside Avondale Preservation lists a water station at the dog park. Bringing backup water is still sensible in hot weather.
Where is John Gorrie Dog Park?
The dog park is at the northwest corner of Riverside Park next to College Street in Jacksonville’s Riverside/Five Points area.
Can dogs be off leash elsewhere in Riverside Park?
No. Off-leash use is for the designated dog park. Jacksonville’s general park rules require animals to be leashed outside established dog parks.
Before You Go
Use the College Street side of Riverside Park as your navigation reference for the dog area, plan around sunrise-to-sunset access, and check posted signs when you arrive. If water access is essential for your visit, carrying a backup bottle and bowl avoids problems if a fixture is temporarily out of service.
