Tillie K. Fowler Dog Park: A Local’s Guide to One of Jacksonville’s Best Dog Spots

If you’re looking for a spacious, shaded, and peaceful dog park on Jacksonville’s Westside, Tillie K. Fowler Dog Park should definitely be on your list. We spend time in backyards all over Jacksonville, and we’ve seen a lot of dog parks - and this one stands out for dogs who want room to roam without the crowds.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting, plus some local tips that make your first trip even better.

Why Jacksonville Dog Owners Love Tillie K. Fowler

1. Huge, Shaded, Natural Space

The dog park offers tons of open space divided into separate large-dog and small-dog areas. The ground is natural dirt and mulch, and the entire area is surrounded by tall, mature trees.

It’s one of the few parks in Jacksonville where almost the entire dog area stays shaded, which makes it comfortable even on warm days.

2. Quiet and Uncrowded

One of the biggest perks:
The dog park is almost never crowded during the day.

It’s perfect for:

• reactive or shy dogs
• owners who prefer a calmer environment
• dogs who want space to sniff, explore, or run without chaos

Weekends can bring a few more visitors, but it rarely feels packed, and there is plenty of space to roam within the large dog park area.

3. Access to Trails and Nature

The fenced dog areas are just one part of the massive Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park, which includes:

• miles of shaded walking trails
• boardwalks
• nature loops
• an observation tower
• scenic forested paths

Many owners start with off-leash time and then take a leashed stroll through the woods.

What You’ll Find Inside the Dog Areas

Here’s what you can expect once you walk in:

• Separate sections for large and small dogs
• Double-gated entrances for safe entry
• Benches for owners to rest while the pups run wild
• Dog water bowls, but no water stations - bring your own water
• Natural ground cover instead of turf
• Plenty of shade throughout

It’s a rustic-style park - simple, clean, peaceful, and surrounded by nature.

Best Times to Visit

Because the park is calm almost all day, you really can’t go wrong. But these times tend to offer the best experience:

• Late morning to mid-afternoon — very peaceful, great for shy or quiet dogs
• Early mornings — cooler temps and a few more social dogs
• Evenings — a comfortable after-work crowd

Avoid going immediately after rain if you want to skip muddy paws, the ground holds water, and the park will flood after significant storms.

Pro Tips From Local Dog Owners

Bring your own water.

There are bowls, but no running water inside the dog park.

Expect a natural environment.

Think trees, dirt, leaves, sticks, and wildlife sounds - not a manicured city park. It’s tough, but not impossible for strollers due to exposed tree roots creeping onto the paths.

Wear sturdy shoes.

Since it’s a natural park, the ground can be uneven or muddy after rain.

Explore the rest of the park.

The trails and observation tower are beautiful and offer a great cooldown walk.

Location & Parking

Tillie K. Fowler Regional Park
7000 Roosevelt Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32244

Parking is usually easy, even on weekends.

Is Tillie K. Fowler Dog Park Right for Your Dog?

Choose this park if your dog loves:

• quiet, uncrowded spaces
• shaded, natural environments
• exploring and sniffing
• peaceful social interactions

This may not be the best choice if your dog prefers:

• turf-only parks
• large crowds of dogs
• a high-energy, city-style dog park environment
• obstacles or swimming areas