Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park is a fenced off-leash park beneath the Selmon Expressway in Tampa. The overhead roadway provides substantial shade, while separate large- and small-dog areas offer canine turf, water fountains with pet bowls and bench-style seating.
Plan your visit
- Address: 626 N. Raymond Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602.
- Location: Under the Selmon Expressway, behind the Bell Channelside Apartments and along the Selmon Greenway.
- Hours: THEA’s current dog park page does not publish operating hours. Check the entrance signs before relying on a fixed schedule.
- Dog areas: Separate fenced play spaces for large and small dogs.
- Surface: K9Grass canine turf designed for pet play.
- Amenities: Pet-bowl water fountains, bench-style seating, play obstacles and extensive overhead shade.
Find the dog park entrance
Approach from North Raymond Avenue near East Twiggs Street. THEA’s map places the dog park southeast of the nearby parking areas, beneath the expressway and beside the Bell Channelside Apartments. Follow the current signs because nearby parking access can change.
Keep your dog leashed from the vehicle or Selmon Greenway to the entrance. Close the outer gate before unclipping the leash, then enter the area intended for your dog’s size.
Open directions to Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park.
Shade, canine turf and separate play areas
The park’s unusual location beneath the expressway keeps most of the play space shaded and can provide cover during brief rain. The artificial canine turf avoids the mud and loose sand found at many dog parks, while the two fenced sections help separate smaller dogs from larger playmates.
Water fountains include built-in pet bowls, and seating is distributed through the park. Fountain service can change, so bring backup water during hot weather. Use the posted section and keep the shared gate area clear when dogs are entering or leaving.
What park goers say
Park goers regularly praise the deep shade, rain cover, turf surface, roomy small-dog area, water access and play obstacles. Many visitors like leaving without muddy paws and find the underpass setting more comfortable during Tampa’s hotter months.
Common cautions involve limited parking at busy times, traffic noise and pet waste left on the turf by other visitors. Watch where you step, bring waste bags even when dispensers are present and check that the fountain is working before settling in.
Rules before you enter
Follow all rules posted at the entrance. Keep dogs leashed outside the fenced play area, close both gates behind you, remain with your dog and supervise play. Use the appropriate size section, pick up waste promptly and leave if your dog behaves aggressively or appears unwell.
The turf, water stations and seating are shared amenities. Do not block gates or allow dogs to damage equipment, and leash your dog before exiting toward the parking area or Greenway.
Before you go
Check the official THEA dog park page and any current closure notices. Because THEA does not publish a daily schedule on that page, use the entrance signs as the authority for opening and closing times.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Parking access, water service, maintenance and posted hours can change.
