David T. Kennedy dog park in 360 degrees (video story included)

The David T. Kennedy Park, located in Miami at 2400 So. Bayshore Drive, is considered a waterfront oasis. Among its many features are bicycling paths, outdoor gym equipment and a gorgeous view of the waterfront. Kennedy Park also boasts a sizable dog park. The area has divided spaces for large and small dogs, and features ramps, tunnels and other obstacle-course equipment.

Miami Mayor David Kennedy opened the space in the early 1970s under the name Coconut Grove Park. Kennedy, who served from 1970 to 1973, was also responsible for the opening of Bicentennial Park. His successor, Mayor Maurice Ferré, who recently died, praised Kennedy’s tenure as mayor and renamed Coconut Grove Park in his honor.

Dog Park Infographic
Click to enlarge.

In a piece written in the Miami Herald after Kennedy’s death in 2014, Kennedy’s son revealed his father had been a dog-lover — and that the decision to open a dog park in Coconut Grove had been wholly intentional.

The video presented shows a 360-degree view of the dog-friendly spaces and the surrounding park. You can change perspective by clicking on the box in the upper left-hand corner.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, Americans agree there are several benefits to having dog parks in the community. They give owners a safe space to allow their dogs to roam, which is especially important to people who have small backyards or live in apartment buildings. They also give pets an opportunity to interact with other animals in a controlled environment. Furthermore, visiting dog parks allows both pets and their owners to exercise.

Alexis Baez is a communications and digital media major at FIU. She is interested in environmental education through digital media. One day she hopes to work with National Geographic.

Gina Torres is a senior at FIU majoring in digital communication and media. Her goal in the future is to be a marketing/creative director in sports entertainment.