In 2009, after years of fundraising, the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central opened Hernando County’s only dedicated dog park, Rotary Centennial Park. Located at 10375 Sandlor Street, just off Landover Boulevard in Spring Hill, the park spans eight wooded acres.

The park features separate off-leash areas where dogs can run and play freely, along with public restrooms, a pavilion, and a spacious gathering area for visitors. Three dog runs are currently available based on dog size: small, medium, and large.

Because the park is used by significantly more medium-sized dogs, the Parks Department plans to expand the medium-dog area by removing the fence between the existing medium- and large-dog runs. The small-dog run will remain unchanged.

The large-dog run will be relocated across the parking lot to the existing auxiliary run. This auxiliary area was originally created as a temporary space for dogs to use while maintenance was being completed in one of the other runs. Plans are also being considered to add a new auxiliary run in the future.

For the past 14 years, the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central has worked alongside Hernando County Parks and Recreation to help maintain and care for Rotary Centennial Dog Park.

During 2023–2024, the Parks Department and the Rotary Club focused on renewing and refurbishing this popular community park. The first phase of improvements included upgrading the dog-watering stations, restoring the existing seating, and installing concrete pads beneath the picnic tables and benches to create cleaner, safer, and more accessible areas for visitors.

In 2009, the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central partnered with Hernando County Parks and Recreation to open Hernando County’s only dedicated dog park in Spring Hill. Since then, Rotary Centennial Dog Park has become one of the county’s most popular and frequently used recreational spaces.

Because of its continued popularity and heavy use, renovations are needed to improve the park’s appearance, comfort, and overall experience for both dogs and their owners. The Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central plans to support these improvements by providing additional shade structures, upgraded seating, and enhanced landscaping throughout the park.

To complete the planned improvements at Rotary Centennial Dog Park, the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central must raise additional funds. As part of this effort, the Club will soon begin offering personalized engraved bricks to be placed in the area between the parking lot and the dog runs.

Supporters may purchase a brick engraved with their name, a pet’s name, a business name, or the name of a club or organization. Bricks may also be purchased as a memorial for a beloved pet or loved one.

Each 4-by-8-inch brick is available for $100 and may include up to three lines of personalized text. Supporters may also add an approved logo for an additional $25.

The Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central invites all friends and supporters of the dog park to participate in this meaningful fundraising project. Every brick purchased will help fund improvements that make the park more comfortable, welcoming, and enjoyable for dogs and their owners.

For information about Rotary's Brick Project to support the Dog Park, click here.

The goal of this project is to make Rotary Centennial Dog Park a more attractive, comfortable, safe, healthy, and functional space for both dogs and the people who visit the park.

SHADE  

Rotary Centennial Dog Park needs additional shade structures to help keep both dogs and their owners cooler, safer, and more comfortable in Florida’s heat and sunshine. Providing shaded areas throughout the park will allow visitors to enjoy the park longer while reducing the risk of overheating and sun exposure.

Shade structures will create more comfortable spaces for dog owners to sit and relax while their pets play. They will also give dogs a cooler environment for exercise and socialization, making the park a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.

Fourteen years ago, a Rotary grant helped fund the original plants, shrubs, and landscaping at Rotary Centennial Dog Park. Over time, many of those plants have died, and Hernando County has removed landscaping that had become damaged or unsightly.

Fortunately, the area requiring the most attention already has an irrigation system and was recently cleared of debris and dead vegetation. This creates an excellent foundation for new trees, shrubs, and plants that are better suited to Florida’s climate and will enhance the park’s appearance for years to come.

SEATING

Many of the park’s existing picnic tables and benches have deteriorated due to age, wood rot, and prolonged exposure to Florida’s harsh weather conditions. These items will need to be removed and replaced.

The new tables and benches will be constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials that are better suited to Florida’s climate. This upgrade will provide safer, more comfortable seating for visitors while also extending the lifespan of the park’s outdoor furnishings.

WASTE STATIONS

Dog park visitors have expressed a strong need for additional pet-waste stations equipped with bags and disposal containers. Installing more stations throughout the park would make cleanup more convenient and encourage visitors to properly dispose of their pets’ waste.

Well-placed and regularly maintained waste stations help keep the park clean, sanitary, and enjoyable for everyone. They also demonstrate the community’s commitment to responsible pet ownership and to maintaining a welcoming environment for both pet owners and other residents.

The Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central is working to build community awareness and support for the continued renovation of Rotary Centennial Dog Park. Community members can help by making a financial contribution, volunteering their time, sharing ideas, or helping spread the word about the project.

Sponsors, donors, and volunteers are essential to completing the planned improvements and creating a more comfortable, attractive, and enjoyable park for dogs and their owners.

To support the project or learn more about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central at Rotaryclubshc@gmail.com.

The Club’s mailing address is:

Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central
P.O. Box 3333
Spring Hill, FL 34611