Al Helms Dog Park is a fenced off-leash park at 1022 Balboa Avenue in Panama City. The City lists dawn-to-dusk access and benches. The park is known for separate play spaces, a double-gated entrance and a broad grassy layout where dogs can run.
Plan your visit
- Address: 1022 Balboa Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401.
- Hours: Dawn to dusk. Because sunrise and sunset change through the year, follow the posted gate and current City notice rather than a fixed closing time.
- Official amenity: The City currently lists benches.
- Play areas: Visitor resources consistently describe separate fenced spaces for dogs under 30 pounds, dogs over 30 pounds and shy or introductory dogs. Check the signs on each gate before entering.
- Water: Visitors report dog drinking water and a cooling mister or watering area. Bring backup water because current operation is not confirmed on the City facility page.
- Surface and shade: Expect grass, open sun and shade structures. Conditions can change with weather and maintenance.
Find the dog park entrance
Use the Balboa Avenue entrance at the listed street address. The fenced dog areas and parking are together on the property, near Oakland Cemetery. Keep your dog leashed from the vehicle to the entry, read the size and use signs, and wait until the first gate closes before entering the play enclosure.
Get directions to Al Helms Dog Park. The City provides a standard directions link but no dedicated park-layout map, so use the address and posted signs to choose the correct enclosure.
Choose the right play area
Published visitor guides describe three fenced sections: an under-30-pound area, an over-30-pound area and a smaller space for shy dogs or introductions. The third area can help a dog settle before joining a busier group, but it should not replace active supervision. Follow the current wording posted at the gates if it differs from older visitor descriptions.
Water, seating and hot-weather planning
The City confirms benches, and the existing park photo shows seating, fencing and shade sails. Visitor reports also mention drinking water, waste-bag stations and trash cans. Bring your own bowl, water and waste bags in case dispensers or fountains are temporarily unavailable.
Shade comments vary by date and season. Some park goers appreciate the shade structures and trees, while others say the open grass becomes hot. In warm weather, visit earlier or later in the day, check the ground before dogs run and watch for heat stress.
Before dogs play
Keep your dog under control, supervise play and clean up waste. Use the enclosure matching the posted size or temperament guidance. Pause at the double gate so dogs already inside do not crowd the entrance, and remove your dog if play becomes unsafe. Current posted City rules take priority over older online descriptions.
What park goers say
Visitors often praise the grassy running room, separate play areas, benches, water access and friendly regulars. Several like having a smaller section available for shy dogs or introductions. Some also mention convenient parking and enough open space for fetch or active play.
Less favorable comments focus on limited shade during hot periods, owners who do not watch their dogs closely and occasional waste left behind. Reports about shade and turf conflict across years, so current conditions may depend on season, landscaping and maintenance. Read current visitor reports before a first visit.
Check official updates
Review the official City of Panama City facility page for the current address, dawn-to-dusk hours and facility notices. For closures or maintenance questions, contact Panama City Parks, Culture & Recreation through the City website.