Just West of Matheson Hammock Park on Old Cutler Road in South Coral Gables lies an undeveloped piece of land, unknown to most Miami residents to be part of the William J. Matheson estate given to the city in 1930. While the land to the East of Old Cutler has since developed into a park and beach, the property to the West contains a very rare, environmentally sensitive hardwood hammock, protected from development and residing as a dog park. Unlike other Miami dog parks, the property is not crowded and the landscape is wild and unkempt, allowing for dogs to roam freely despite (rarely) enforced leash laws.
At the front of the property, a pond provides cool relief and a great place for pups to swim; at the back, rows of magnificent Royal Palms line an old dirt road that once existed as the entrance to Matheson’s estate.
On our visit, we found other park visitors relaxed and happy, and enjoying the remote tranquility and wilderness the hardwood hammock offers--a rarity in such a developed and bustling city like Miami.
A few tips to remember when visiting the park: visitors are asked to park in the gravel parking lot provided on the West side of Old Cutler Road. Be sure to bring plenty of fresh water for you and your pooch, and take advantage of what historic Miami has left for us to enjoy.
Words and photos by Emily Risi
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Woof Woof Dawg!!
Posted by Tyrone Higginsbee July 01, 2010 03:11:24
Dog Parks
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new friends
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admiration
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